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Dennis' late bucket rescues Lady Tigers
BAHS slips by Tahlequah-Sequoyah, 70-68
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 12:30 AM CST
TAHLEQUAH — Chelsi Dennis didn’t have time to think
when she scored the game-winner Tuesday night.
Dennis’ layup – off a inbound pass from Brianna Hopkins
– with 2.2 seconds left gave Broken Arrow High School a
70-68 victory over Tahlequah-Sequoyah.
“I wasn’t nervous when I was shooting,” Dennis said,
smiling. “I didn’t get nervous until after the play. It was the
biggest basket of my life.”
On a set play with 4.2 seconds left and the game tied at
68-68, Dennis got open underneath the right side of the
bucket.
“I couldn’t believe I got that open,” Dennis said. “It was
like wow!”
A Tahlequah-Sequoyah turnover gave BAHS possession
under its own basket with a chance to avert overtime.
The game-winner came on a second chance.
On the first try, Hopkins couldn’t find an open person and
called a timeout.
When play resumed, it was like clockwork.
“It was the same play,” said Hopkins, a junior. “I was surprised how open Chelsi got. If it was her
best-ever basket, then it was my best-ever pass.”
The victory pushed BAHS to 10-1 and could be landmark triumph for the Lady Tigers, coach Ed
Calhoon said.
“This is what we needed,” Calhoon said. “To come into an environment like this, against this
program and win is just great.”
BAHS shelled Tahlequah-Sequoyah, 77-47, in the season opener Dec. 2 at Broken Arrow.
“This is 10 times better than a 30 point victory,” Calhoon said. “This is a difference maker for us.
“We beat a very, very good team. If they (Sequoyah) keeps playing like this, they can win Class
3A.”
It wasn’t a masterpiece. The Lady Tigers sputtered and stumbled out of the gate.
Sequoyah built a 23-12 lead less than two minutes into the second quarter after a bucket by
Lindsey Hammer, who blitzed BAHS for 32 points.
Calhoon called timeout and unleashed a tongue-lashing. By half, the Lady Tigers had narrowed
the gap to 33-29.
“Sometimes,” Calhoon said, “you’ve got to do that.”
The Lady Tigers hung close despite hitting only 1-of-8 3-pointers, 6-of-12 free throws and
committing nine turnovers in the first half.
Dennis opened the third quarter with two unanswered buckets in 24 seconds to forge a 33-33 tie.
From there, game had 11 lead changes six ties.
A bucket by Dennis and two free throws by Hopkins gave BAHS a 68-65 lead with 38 seconds left.
Hammer responded with a 3-pointer with 11 seconds showing for the 68-68 tie.
The Lady Tigers commited a turnover with 4.2 seconds left, giving Sequoyah possession.
BAHS got a reprieve. A half court pass by Sequoyah went out of bounds, giving the ball back to the
Lady Tigers under their own goal.
Broken Arrow got all of its scoring from four starters, led by Dennis with 21 and Valerie Santiago 20.
Santiago scored 12 of her points in the second half while Dennis had 11 rebounds.
After the rocky start shooting free throws, BAHS finished by hitting 12 of its last 14 and was 14-of-
22 for the night.
Broken Arrow begins defense of its John Nobles Invitational title Thursday at 7 p.m. against
Southmoore in Moore.
BROKEN ARROW 70, TAHLEQUAH-SEQUOYAH 68
Broken Arrow 10 19 16 25-70
Tahlequah-Sequoyah 15 18 15 20-68
BA - Chelsi Dennis 21, Valerie Santiago 20, Brianna Hopkins 16, Taylor Lewis 13.
TS - Lindsey Hammer 32, Taylor Johnson 11, Nikki Lewis 9, Tara Comingdeer 7, Lynsey Dry 5,
Saharra Henson 2, Andi Pickup 2.
BAHS slips by Tahlequah-Sequoyah, 70-68
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 12:30 AM CST
TAHLEQUAH — Chelsi Dennis didn’t have time to think
when she scored the game-winner Tuesday night.
Dennis’ layup – off a inbound pass from Brianna Hopkins
– with 2.2 seconds left gave Broken Arrow High School a
70-68 victory over Tahlequah-Sequoyah.
“I wasn’t nervous when I was shooting,” Dennis said,
smiling. “I didn’t get nervous until after the play. It was the
biggest basket of my life.”
On a set play with 4.2 seconds left and the game tied at
68-68, Dennis got open underneath the right side of the
bucket.
“I couldn’t believe I got that open,” Dennis said. “It was
like wow!”
A Tahlequah-Sequoyah turnover gave BAHS possession
under its own basket with a chance to avert overtime.
The game-winner came on a second chance.
On the first try, Hopkins couldn’t find an open person and
called a timeout.
When play resumed, it was like clockwork.
“It was the same play,” said Hopkins, a junior. “I was surprised how open Chelsi got. If it was her
best-ever basket, then it was my best-ever pass.”
The victory pushed BAHS to 10-1 and could be landmark triumph for the Lady Tigers, coach Ed
Calhoon said.
“This is what we needed,” Calhoon said. “To come into an environment like this, against this
program and win is just great.”
BAHS shelled Tahlequah-Sequoyah, 77-47, in the season opener Dec. 2 at Broken Arrow.
“This is 10 times better than a 30 point victory,” Calhoon said. “This is a difference maker for us.
“We beat a very, very good team. If they (Sequoyah) keeps playing like this, they can win Class
3A.”
It wasn’t a masterpiece. The Lady Tigers sputtered and stumbled out of the gate.
Sequoyah built a 23-12 lead less than two minutes into the second quarter after a bucket by
Lindsey Hammer, who blitzed BAHS for 32 points.
Calhoon called timeout and unleashed a tongue-lashing. By half, the Lady Tigers had narrowed
the gap to 33-29.
“Sometimes,” Calhoon said, “you’ve got to do that.”
The Lady Tigers hung close despite hitting only 1-of-8 3-pointers, 6-of-12 free throws and
committing nine turnovers in the first half.
Dennis opened the third quarter with two unanswered buckets in 24 seconds to forge a 33-33 tie.
From there, game had 11 lead changes six ties.
A bucket by Dennis and two free throws by Hopkins gave BAHS a 68-65 lead with 38 seconds left.
Hammer responded with a 3-pointer with 11 seconds showing for the 68-68 tie.
The Lady Tigers commited a turnover with 4.2 seconds left, giving Sequoyah possession.
BAHS got a reprieve. A half court pass by Sequoyah went out of bounds, giving the ball back to the
Lady Tigers under their own goal.
Broken Arrow got all of its scoring from four starters, led by Dennis with 21 and Valerie Santiago 20.
Santiago scored 12 of her points in the second half while Dennis had 11 rebounds.
After the rocky start shooting free throws, BAHS finished by hitting 12 of its last 14 and was 14-of-
22 for the night.
Broken Arrow begins defense of its John Nobles Invitational title Thursday at 7 p.m. against
Southmoore in Moore.
BROKEN ARROW 70, TAHLEQUAH-SEQUOYAH 68
Broken Arrow 10 19 16 25-70
Tahlequah-Sequoyah 15 18 15 20-68
BA - Chelsi Dennis 21, Valerie Santiago 20, Brianna Hopkins 16, Taylor Lewis 13.
TS - Lindsey Hammer 32, Taylor Johnson 11, Nikki Lewis 9, Tara Comingdeer 7, Lynsey Dry 5,
Saharra Henson 2, Andi Pickup 2.
KEY FIGURES — Chelsi Dennis (15)
scored the game-winner and Valerie
Santiago (12) had 20 points in Broken
Arrow High School's 70-68 victory
Tuesday night at Tahlequah-Sequoyah.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
scored the game-winner and Valerie
Santiago (12) had 20 points in Broken
Arrow High School's 70-68 victory
Tuesday night at Tahlequah-Sequoyah.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
Balance, defense equal BAHS victory
Tigers win at Tahlequah-Sequoyah, 54-42
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 12:34 AM CST
TAHLEQUAH — It was a strange looking boxscore.
To coach Rusty Stecker, it equated to balance and defense
in Broken Arrow High School’s 54-42 non-conference victory
at Tahlequah-Sequoyah.
None of the 20 participants – 10 from each team – scored in
double digits.
That was fine with Stecker. It was the outcome that was
important, marking his team’s 11th win without a loss.
The Tigers, with nine players sharing in the scoring duties,
held off SHS Tuesday night as Broken Arrow snapped the
Indians’ five-game winning streak.
Broken Arrow’s defense was pivotal holding Sequoyah to
17-of-51 shooting, including a meager 1-of-19 from 3-point
range.
“Our defense did a good job of challenging shots,” Stecker
said. “We were able to keep the pressure.”
Broken Arrow trailed only once, 2-0, on a quick bucket by
Travis Sanders.
The Tigers went on a 9-0 run with four different players –
Kody Waymire, Marnard Grant, Drew Howerton and
Stephen Dennis – getting into the act.
Grant scored six of his eight points in the first half, including a two buckets in a seven-point flurry to
gave BAHS a 28-14 lead in the second quarter.
The Tigers had 16 point leads three times in the third quarter but couldn’t shake SHS.
“We couldn’t put them away,” Stecker said. “But, they wouldn’t go away, either.”
Sequoyah (9-6) never got closer than 10 points late in the game.
The Tigers maintained their double-digit cushion by hitting 17-of-20 free throws, including 14-of-15
in the second half and 8-of-9 in the fourth quarter.
Howerton led BAHS in scoring with nine points with 4-of-4 free throws while Waymire was 6-of-6
from the line.
BAHS was 5-of-16 shooting 3-pointers and 16-of-37 in total field goals.
The Tigers play in the Tulsa Select Interstate Classic Thursday at 8 p.m. against the Tulsa
Memorial junior varsity.
BROKEN ARROW 54, TAHLEQUAH-SEQUOYAH 42
Broken Arrow 17 13 13 11-54
Tahlequah-Sequoyah 8 10 12 12-42
BA - Drew Howerton 9, Marnard Grant 8, Kody Waymire 8, Stephen Dennis 7, Jake Toupal 6,
Taylor Reed 6, Chris Collins 5, Seth Dennis 3, Evan Maynard 2.
T-S – Cody Fourkiller 9, Ramsey Nofire 6, Terran Pettit 6, Garrett Drapeau 4, Travis Sanders 4,
Ramsey Butler 4, Trent Johnston 4, Jarrett Travis 2, Kiwah Garrett 2.
Tigers win at Tahlequah-Sequoyah, 54-42
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 12:34 AM CST
TAHLEQUAH — It was a strange looking boxscore.
To coach Rusty Stecker, it equated to balance and defense
in Broken Arrow High School’s 54-42 non-conference victory
at Tahlequah-Sequoyah.
None of the 20 participants – 10 from each team – scored in
double digits.
That was fine with Stecker. It was the outcome that was
important, marking his team’s 11th win without a loss.
The Tigers, with nine players sharing in the scoring duties,
held off SHS Tuesday night as Broken Arrow snapped the
Indians’ five-game winning streak.
Broken Arrow’s defense was pivotal holding Sequoyah to
17-of-51 shooting, including a meager 1-of-19 from 3-point
range.
“Our defense did a good job of challenging shots,” Stecker
said. “We were able to keep the pressure.”
Broken Arrow trailed only once, 2-0, on a quick bucket by
Travis Sanders.
The Tigers went on a 9-0 run with four different players –
Kody Waymire, Marnard Grant, Drew Howerton and
Stephen Dennis – getting into the act.
Grant scored six of his eight points in the first half, including a two buckets in a seven-point flurry to
gave BAHS a 28-14 lead in the second quarter.
The Tigers had 16 point leads three times in the third quarter but couldn’t shake SHS.
“We couldn’t put them away,” Stecker said. “But, they wouldn’t go away, either.”
Sequoyah (9-6) never got closer than 10 points late in the game.
The Tigers maintained their double-digit cushion by hitting 17-of-20 free throws, including 14-of-15
in the second half and 8-of-9 in the fourth quarter.
Howerton led BAHS in scoring with nine points with 4-of-4 free throws while Waymire was 6-of-6
from the line.
BAHS was 5-of-16 shooting 3-pointers and 16-of-37 in total field goals.
The Tigers play in the Tulsa Select Interstate Classic Thursday at 8 p.m. against the Tulsa
Memorial junior varsity.
BROKEN ARROW 54, TAHLEQUAH-SEQUOYAH 42
Broken Arrow 17 13 13 11-54
Tahlequah-Sequoyah 8 10 12 12-42
BA - Drew Howerton 9, Marnard Grant 8, Kody Waymire 8, Stephen Dennis 7, Jake Toupal 6,
Taylor Reed 6, Chris Collins 5, Seth Dennis 3, Evan Maynard 2.
T-S – Cody Fourkiller 9, Ramsey Nofire 6, Terran Pettit 6, Garrett Drapeau 4, Travis Sanders 4,
Ramsey Butler 4, Trent Johnston 4, Jarrett Travis 2, Kiwah Garrett 2.
HELPING HAND — Drew Howerton's
nine points and four rebounds
helped Broken Arrow High School to
a 54-42 victory at Tahlequah-
Sequoyah Tuesday night.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
nine points and four rebounds
helped Broken Arrow High School to
a 54-42 victory at Tahlequah-
Sequoyah Tuesday night.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
************************************************************
************************************************************
BAHS teams enter tournament weekend
Lady Tigers defending champs at Nobles Invitational
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 2:00 PM CST
For Broken Arrow High School girls basketball, every game is uncharted territory.
And, that’s not a bad thing, said Lady Tiger coach Ed Calhoon.
Frankly, it’s good, very good.
Calhoon’s unrelenting rebuilding project is beginning to pay dividends.
Now 10-1, after a 70-68 victory at Tahlequah-Sequoyah Tuesday night, his team moved into the
top 10 in one Class 6A poll.
In two previous years, BAHS had won only 12 games.
On Thursday, these Lady Tigers will have a new experience.
They enter the John Nobles Invitational at Moore High School as the defending champion facing
Southmoore at 7 p.m.
BAHS is the No. 2 seed and a first round victory would pit the Lady Tigers against the Lawton-Sand
Springs winners.
Broken Arrow beat Lawton, 76-62, last Saturday in the Lawton Festival.
The Lady Tigers could be on a collision course with top-seeded Lawton Eisenhower in the final.
Lawton Ike spanked BAHS, 66-47, last Friday in Lawton, the Lady Tigers’ only loss.
“That (Lawton Ike loss) was a learning experience,” Calhoon said. “We have to realize our
opponents are going to bring their best games against us.”
Since the John Nobles Invitational a year ago, BAHS has won two other tournament, both this year
– the Four-State Classic in December and the Muskogee Shrine Classic.
“That (winning at Moore) was good for our confidence,” Calhoon said. “That was a small milestone
and was important in helping us do what we’ve done this season.”
•
Coach Rusty Stecker’s Tigers return to the Tulsa Select Interstate Classic at Tulsa Memorial
Thursday through Saturday.
This time, he’ll have two teams in the three-day round robin.
The Broken Arrow junior varsity will play two games.
When a Kansas City team dropped out, Memorial officials were needing to fill the gap.
“It’s never good when a team backs out of a tournament,” Stecker said. “But, this can be a good
thing for our younger players.
“What a great experience for these guys. Plus, it will be a chance for us, as coaches, to evaluate
their progress.”
BAJV and Central’s JV each play twice to complete the brackets.
The Tiger JV plays Memorial’s varsity Friday at 8 p.m. and Central’s varsity Saturday at 11 a.m.
JOHN NOBLES INVITATIONAL
At Moore High School
Thursday’s Games
10 a.m. - Lawton Eisenhower vs. Woodward
1 p.m. - Moore vs. Muskogee
4 p.m. - Lawton vs. Sand Springs
7 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Southmoore
Friday’s Games
10 a.m. - Lawton Ike-Woodward loser vs. Moore-Muskogee loser.
1 p.m. - Lawton-Sand Springs loser vs. Broken Arrow-Southmoore loser
4 p.m. - Lawton-Sand Springs winner vs. Broken Arrow-Southmoore winner
7 p.m. - Lawton Ike-Woodward winner vs. Moore-Muskogee winner.
Saturday’s Games
Seventh Place - 10 a.m.
Fifth Place - 1 p.m.
Third Place - 4 p.m.
Championship - 7 p.m.
— — —
TULSA SELECT CLASSIC
At Tulsa Memorial
Thursday’s Games
5 p.m. - Tulsa Central vs. Fayetteville Christian
6:30 p.m. - Tulsa Memorial vs. Austin Can Academy
8 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Tulsa Memorial JV
Friday’s Games
5 p.m. - Austin Can Academy vs. Tulsa Central
6:30 p.m. - Fayetteville Christian vs. Broken Arrow
8 p.m. - Broken Arrow JV vs. Tulsa Memorial
Saturday’s Games
11 a.m. - Tulsa Central vs. Broken Arrow JV
12:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Austin Can Academy
2 p.m. - Tulsa Memorial vs. Fayetteville Christian
Lady Tigers defending champs at Nobles Invitational
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 2:00 PM CST
For Broken Arrow High School girls basketball, every game is uncharted territory.
And, that’s not a bad thing, said Lady Tiger coach Ed Calhoon.
Frankly, it’s good, very good.
Calhoon’s unrelenting rebuilding project is beginning to pay dividends.
Now 10-1, after a 70-68 victory at Tahlequah-Sequoyah Tuesday night, his team moved into the
top 10 in one Class 6A poll.
In two previous years, BAHS had won only 12 games.
On Thursday, these Lady Tigers will have a new experience.
They enter the John Nobles Invitational at Moore High School as the defending champion facing
Southmoore at 7 p.m.
BAHS is the No. 2 seed and a first round victory would pit the Lady Tigers against the Lawton-Sand
Springs winners.
Broken Arrow beat Lawton, 76-62, last Saturday in the Lawton Festival.
The Lady Tigers could be on a collision course with top-seeded Lawton Eisenhower in the final.
Lawton Ike spanked BAHS, 66-47, last Friday in Lawton, the Lady Tigers’ only loss.
“That (Lawton Ike loss) was a learning experience,” Calhoon said. “We have to realize our
opponents are going to bring their best games against us.”
Since the John Nobles Invitational a year ago, BAHS has won two other tournament, both this year
– the Four-State Classic in December and the Muskogee Shrine Classic.
“That (winning at Moore) was good for our confidence,” Calhoon said. “That was a small milestone
and was important in helping us do what we’ve done this season.”
•
Coach Rusty Stecker’s Tigers return to the Tulsa Select Interstate Classic at Tulsa Memorial
Thursday through Saturday.
This time, he’ll have two teams in the three-day round robin.
The Broken Arrow junior varsity will play two games.
When a Kansas City team dropped out, Memorial officials were needing to fill the gap.
“It’s never good when a team backs out of a tournament,” Stecker said. “But, this can be a good
thing for our younger players.
“What a great experience for these guys. Plus, it will be a chance for us, as coaches, to evaluate
their progress.”
BAJV and Central’s JV each play twice to complete the brackets.
The Tiger JV plays Memorial’s varsity Friday at 8 p.m. and Central’s varsity Saturday at 11 a.m.
JOHN NOBLES INVITATIONAL
At Moore High School
Thursday’s Games
10 a.m. - Lawton Eisenhower vs. Woodward
1 p.m. - Moore vs. Muskogee
4 p.m. - Lawton vs. Sand Springs
7 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Southmoore
Friday’s Games
10 a.m. - Lawton Ike-Woodward loser vs. Moore-Muskogee loser.
1 p.m. - Lawton-Sand Springs loser vs. Broken Arrow-Southmoore loser
4 p.m. - Lawton-Sand Springs winner vs. Broken Arrow-Southmoore winner
7 p.m. - Lawton Ike-Woodward winner vs. Moore-Muskogee winner.
Saturday’s Games
Seventh Place - 10 a.m.
Fifth Place - 1 p.m.
Third Place - 4 p.m.
Championship - 7 p.m.
— — —
TULSA SELECT CLASSIC
At Tulsa Memorial
Thursday’s Games
5 p.m. - Tulsa Central vs. Fayetteville Christian
6:30 p.m. - Tulsa Memorial vs. Austin Can Academy
8 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Tulsa Memorial JV
Friday’s Games
5 p.m. - Austin Can Academy vs. Tulsa Central
6:30 p.m. - Fayetteville Christian vs. Broken Arrow
8 p.m. - Broken Arrow JV vs. Tulsa Memorial
Saturday’s Games
11 a.m. - Tulsa Central vs. Broken Arrow JV
12:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Austin Can Academy
2 p.m. - Tulsa Memorial vs. Fayetteville Christian
************************************************************
Tigers win opener at Interstate Classic
BAHS improves to 12-0
By the tone of assistant Roger Roth’s voice,
one could have assumed the worst.
Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2009 11:20 PM CST
The Broken Arrow High School basketball coach sounded anything but a winner after the Tigers’
75-56 victory over Tulsa Memorial’s junior varsity in the Tulsa Interstate Select Classic at Memorial
High School.
“We’ve won 12 in a row,” Roth said. “That’s just about I can say.”
Roth wasn’t pleased with BAHS’s defensive effort.
“We didn’t play well defensively because we gave up too many shots and too many points,” he
said. “This game showed us a lot of things, like we’ve got to stop dribble penetration.”
The Tigers (12-0) were never in serious trouble after jumping to a 21-6 lead in the first quarter.
BAHS nearly doubled that cushion in the third quarter when the Tigers had a lapse and the
Chargers narrowed the deficit to 11 points.
“I certainly am not taking anything away from those Memorial kids,” Roth said. “They came to play,
they played hard and they played to win. We’ve got to step it up and play better.”
Jake Toupal led three Tigers in double figures with 19 points and was Broken Arrow’s top
rebounder (7) and led in assists (4).
Marnard Grant followed with 12 points and Kody Waymire 10.
In a round robin format, the Tigers play Fayetteville Christian Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial High
School.
The Broken Arrow JV plays Memorial’s varsity at 8 p.m.
Tulsa Select Interstate Classic
BROKEN ARROW 75, TULSA MEMORIAL JV 56
Memorial JV 6 18 16 16-56
Broken Arrow 21 21 14 19-75
MJV - Royal Dehquan 18, C.J. Wells 17, John Powell 7, Arthur Vann 4, William Burner 4, J.R.
Burkley 2.
BA - Jake Toupal 19, Marnard Grant 12, Kody Waymire 10, Drew Howerton 9, Seth Dennis 8,
Chris Collins 7, Sam Walton 5, Brandon Land 4, Taylor Reed 2.
BAHS improves to 12-0
By the tone of assistant Roger Roth’s voice,
one could have assumed the worst.
Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2009 11:20 PM CST
The Broken Arrow High School basketball coach sounded anything but a winner after the Tigers’
75-56 victory over Tulsa Memorial’s junior varsity in the Tulsa Interstate Select Classic at Memorial
High School.
“We’ve won 12 in a row,” Roth said. “That’s just about I can say.”
Roth wasn’t pleased with BAHS’s defensive effort.
“We didn’t play well defensively because we gave up too many shots and too many points,” he
said. “This game showed us a lot of things, like we’ve got to stop dribble penetration.”
The Tigers (12-0) were never in serious trouble after jumping to a 21-6 lead in the first quarter.
BAHS nearly doubled that cushion in the third quarter when the Tigers had a lapse and the
Chargers narrowed the deficit to 11 points.
“I certainly am not taking anything away from those Memorial kids,” Roth said. “They came to play,
they played hard and they played to win. We’ve got to step it up and play better.”
Jake Toupal led three Tigers in double figures with 19 points and was Broken Arrow’s top
rebounder (7) and led in assists (4).
Marnard Grant followed with 12 points and Kody Waymire 10.
In a round robin format, the Tigers play Fayetteville Christian Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial High
School.
The Broken Arrow JV plays Memorial’s varsity at 8 p.m.
Tulsa Select Interstate Classic
BROKEN ARROW 75, TULSA MEMORIAL JV 56
Memorial JV 6 18 16 16-56
Broken Arrow 21 21 14 19-75
MJV - Royal Dehquan 18, C.J. Wells 17, John Powell 7, Arthur Vann 4, William Burner 4, J.R.
Burkley 2.
BA - Jake Toupal 19, Marnard Grant 12, Kody Waymire 10, Drew Howerton 9, Seth Dennis 8,
Chris Collins 7, Sam Walton 5, Brandon Land 4, Taylor Reed 2.
Lady Tigers advance to semifinals
At John Nobles Invitational in Moore
Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2009 11:34 PM CST
MOORE — Consistency should count for something.
Broken Arrow High School staked itself to an early led and kept it during a 53-40 conquest of
Southmoore Thursday at the John Nobles Invitational.
Now 11-1, BAHS meets Lawton, a 50-47 winner over Sand Springs, Friday at 4 p.m. in the
semifinals.
Last weekend, the Lady Tigers knocked off Lawton, 76-62, in Lawton during the Lawton Festival.
The Lady Tigers – the tournament’s defending champion – didn’t have much trouble against the
first year school in the Oklahoma City suburb.
But, BAHS coach Ed Calhoon wanted a little bit more, especially with Lawton on deck.
“We had some kids not feeling well,” Calhoon said. “But, our intensity was down and we weren’t
very disciplined. We can’t play like this and expect to beat Lawton.”
BAHS played in streaks against Southmoore.
At one time, the Lady Tigers led by 18 points in the second half and were on the verge of a
runaway.
“We get a lead like that and then give up a couple of 3’s and some easy baskets,” Calhoon said.
“We didn’t put them away.”
Taylor Lewis led BAHS with a game-high 20 points and Katie Morgan followed with 12, the only two
players in the game in double digits.
John Nobles Invitational
BROKEN ARROW 53, SOUTHMOORE 40
Southmoore 8 8 10 12-40
Broken Arrow 14 15 12 12-53
SM - Worchester 9, Kirk 9, Steele 7, Hill 6, Haywood 4, Schwind 2, Smith 2, Meadows 1.
BA - Taylor Lewis 20, Katie Morgan 12, Chelsi Dennis 6, Becca Hill 4, Santiago 3, Hopkins 1.
At John Nobles Invitational in Moore
Published:
Thursday, January 22, 2009 11:34 PM CST
MOORE — Consistency should count for something.
Broken Arrow High School staked itself to an early led and kept it during a 53-40 conquest of
Southmoore Thursday at the John Nobles Invitational.
Now 11-1, BAHS meets Lawton, a 50-47 winner over Sand Springs, Friday at 4 p.m. in the
semifinals.
Last weekend, the Lady Tigers knocked off Lawton, 76-62, in Lawton during the Lawton Festival.
The Lady Tigers – the tournament’s defending champion – didn’t have much trouble against the
first year school in the Oklahoma City suburb.
But, BAHS coach Ed Calhoon wanted a little bit more, especially with Lawton on deck.
“We had some kids not feeling well,” Calhoon said. “But, our intensity was down and we weren’t
very disciplined. We can’t play like this and expect to beat Lawton.”
BAHS played in streaks against Southmoore.
At one time, the Lady Tigers led by 18 points in the second half and were on the verge of a
runaway.
“We get a lead like that and then give up a couple of 3’s and some easy baskets,” Calhoon said.
“We didn’t put them away.”
Taylor Lewis led BAHS with a game-high 20 points and Katie Morgan followed with 12, the only two
players in the game in double digits.
John Nobles Invitational
BROKEN ARROW 53, SOUTHMOORE 40
Southmoore 8 8 10 12-40
Broken Arrow 14 15 12 12-53
SM - Worchester 9, Kirk 9, Steele 7, Hill 6, Haywood 4, Schwind 2, Smith 2, Meadows 1.
BA - Taylor Lewis 20, Katie Morgan 12, Chelsi Dennis 6, Becca Hill 4, Santiago 3, Hopkins 1.
************************************************************
************************************************************
************************************************************
************************************************************
Lawton slips past Lady Tigers, 50-48
In Nobles Invitational semifinals
Published:
Friday, January 23, 2009 10:01 PM CST
MOORE — It will be one Broken Arrow High School will remember let getting away.
The Lady Tigers watched a five-point lead evaporate in the final 90 seconds as Lawton knocked
off BAHS, 50-48, in the semifinals of the John Nobles Invitational.
Now 12-2, Broken Arrow – the defending champions – plays Muskogee at 4 p.m. Saturday for
third place.
Embriel Hinton’s running jumper from the paint gave Lawton its ticket to Saturday night’s
championship.
Broken Arrow had beaten Lawton, 76-62, a week earlier in Lawton in a game that wasn’t as close
as the final score indicated.
This time, LHS stayed close and turned the tables at the end.
Broken Arrow had a 47-42 advantage when Lawton’s Kendra Suttles – who is bounded for LSU –
got her team even at 48-48.
On Lawton’s game-winning possession, the Lady Tigers defense denied Suttles on the inside.
“We got a little spread out,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said, “and we let the girl (Hinton) get inside
on us.”
The Lady Tigers didn’t help themselves missing three free throws in that stretch run.
Sophomore Chelsi Dennis led BAHS with 16 points and senior Vanessa Bledsoe followed with 15.
“This was our fifth game in seven days and it showed,” Calhoon said. “We didn’t have the leg to
bring the pressure against them like we did last week.”
After Saturday, BAHS plays a Frontier Valley Conference game at Muskogee Jan. 30.
John Nobles Invitational Semifinals
LAWTON 50, BROKEN ARROW 48
Broken Arrow 8 8 19 13-48
Lawton 9 11 16 14-50
BA - Chelsi Dennis 16, Vanessa Bledsoe 15, Taylor Lewis 12, Santiago 3, Scott 2.
LHS - Kendra Suttles 22, Caddy 10, Hinton 8, Austin 8, Ostrander 2.
In Nobles Invitational semifinals
Published:
Friday, January 23, 2009 10:01 PM CST
MOORE — It will be one Broken Arrow High School will remember let getting away.
The Lady Tigers watched a five-point lead evaporate in the final 90 seconds as Lawton knocked
off BAHS, 50-48, in the semifinals of the John Nobles Invitational.
Now 12-2, Broken Arrow – the defending champions – plays Muskogee at 4 p.m. Saturday for
third place.
Embriel Hinton’s running jumper from the paint gave Lawton its ticket to Saturday night’s
championship.
Broken Arrow had beaten Lawton, 76-62, a week earlier in Lawton in a game that wasn’t as close
as the final score indicated.
This time, LHS stayed close and turned the tables at the end.
Broken Arrow had a 47-42 advantage when Lawton’s Kendra Suttles – who is bounded for LSU –
got her team even at 48-48.
On Lawton’s game-winning possession, the Lady Tigers defense denied Suttles on the inside.
“We got a little spread out,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said, “and we let the girl (Hinton) get inside
on us.”
The Lady Tigers didn’t help themselves missing three free throws in that stretch run.
Sophomore Chelsi Dennis led BAHS with 16 points and senior Vanessa Bledsoe followed with 15.
“This was our fifth game in seven days and it showed,” Calhoon said. “We didn’t have the leg to
bring the pressure against them like we did last week.”
After Saturday, BAHS plays a Frontier Valley Conference game at Muskogee Jan. 30.
John Nobles Invitational Semifinals
LAWTON 50, BROKEN ARROW 48
Broken Arrow 8 8 19 13-48
Lawton 9 11 16 14-50
BA - Chelsi Dennis 16, Vanessa Bledsoe 15, Taylor Lewis 12, Santiago 3, Scott 2.
LHS - Kendra Suttles 22, Caddy 10, Hinton 8, Austin 8, Ostrander 2.
No contest for Tigers
Broken Arrow rolls at Interstate Classic
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Friday, January 23, 2009 10:50 PM CST
Despite the obvious based on the game’s final score, Broken Arrow High School coach Rusty
Stecker had several other reasons to smile Friday.
Stecker’s squad kept its perfect season record intact with a dominating 86-11 decision against an
overmatched Fayetteville (Ark.) Christian in the second round of the Interstate Classic at Memorial
High School.
“I was pleased with our overall effort and how we were able to control play,” Stecker said. “A game
like this allowed us to work on a few little things. We were just way more superior than they were.”
The Tigers (13-0) close out the round-robin playing Austin Can Academy Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Broken Arrow’s junior varsity, which helped fill out the six-team field, meets Tulsa Central’s varsity
at 11 a.m.
All 10 players who suited up for the Tigers scored at least five points with the reserves getting
plenty of playing time against Fayetteville Christian.
Reserve Brandon Landon topped Broken Arrow with 13 points while Jake Toupal and Stephen
Dennis added 12 points apiece.
Dennis hit on all six of his two-point field goal attempts while grabbing a game-high eight rebounds.
Sam Walton came off the bench to contribute 11 points while Evan Maynard, secured seven
rebounds.
“We have played 10 players almost every game this season,” Stecker said. “We were able to split
time more evenly between the starters and reserves.”
BAHS wasted little time asserting itself in the game, which was played in just more than one hour.
Seth Dennis scored all six of his points as BAHS opened the game with 11 unanswered points.
The Tigers moved to an 18-2 lead a few minutes later and had built a 25-4 cushion after one
quarter.
By halftime, Broken Arrow was in cruise control with a hefty 46-9 advantage.
“We saw Fayetteville score 36 points (Thursday night) against Central. We wanted to keep them
around 30 to 35 points,” Stecker said.
“They struggled against us. I think our size and length advantage bothered them. They had a
tough time getting good looks at the basket.”
The Tiger defense forced 26 turnovers and permitted Fayetteville only 19 shots from the floor.
BAHS held a decisive 39-14 edge on the boards.
“We played good, solid defense tonight,” Stecker said.
Meanwhile, the BAHS offense canned nine 3-pointers (in 29 attempts) and was true on 26-of-40
field goals from two-point range.
The Tigers opened the second half with a pair of baskets before Fayetteville scored a field goal
with just less than seven minutes to go in the third quarter.
Those points would be their final ones of the night.
From there, the Tigers finished the game on a 36-0 scoring spree.
Memorial 63, Broken Arrow JV 47
Broken Arrow hung around until a fourth-quarter flurry carried No. 1-ranked Memorial to a double-
digit win.
Brandon Haynes shared game-high scoring honors with 16 points to pace BAHS. His total
included four treys.
Chase Williams chipped in 14 for the Tigers, which trailed by just nine, 42-33, entering the final
period.
But a 21-point final quarter carried the Chargers (15-1) to victory.
Tulsa Interstate Classic
At Memorial High School
BROKEN ARROW 86, FAYETTEVILLE CHRISTIAN 11
Broken Arrow 25 21 20 20-86
Fayetteville Christian 4 5 2 0-11
BA - Land, 13, Toupal 12, St. Dennis 12, Walton 11, Waymire 8, Se. Dennis 6, Reed 6, Maynard
5, Grant 5.
FC – Riley 4, Sypult 3, McLarty 2, Johnson 2.
— — —
MEMORIAL 63, BROKEN ARROW JV 47
Broken Arrow 6 11 16 14 47
Memorial 19 12 11 21 63
MHS – Cornelius 16, Downing 14, Lucas 11, Debose 7, Anderson 5, Beicher 4, Myers 3,
Sturdivant 2, McIntye 1
BAJV – Haynes 16, Williams 14, Gaynor 6, Hopper 4, Kirkpatrick 3, Mills 2, Shacklett 2.
Broken Arrow rolls at Interstate Classic
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Friday, January 23, 2009 10:50 PM CST
Despite the obvious based on the game’s final score, Broken Arrow High School coach Rusty
Stecker had several other reasons to smile Friday.
Stecker’s squad kept its perfect season record intact with a dominating 86-11 decision against an
overmatched Fayetteville (Ark.) Christian in the second round of the Interstate Classic at Memorial
High School.
“I was pleased with our overall effort and how we were able to control play,” Stecker said. “A game
like this allowed us to work on a few little things. We were just way more superior than they were.”
The Tigers (13-0) close out the round-robin playing Austin Can Academy Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Broken Arrow’s junior varsity, which helped fill out the six-team field, meets Tulsa Central’s varsity
at 11 a.m.
All 10 players who suited up for the Tigers scored at least five points with the reserves getting
plenty of playing time against Fayetteville Christian.
Reserve Brandon Landon topped Broken Arrow with 13 points while Jake Toupal and Stephen
Dennis added 12 points apiece.
Dennis hit on all six of his two-point field goal attempts while grabbing a game-high eight rebounds.
Sam Walton came off the bench to contribute 11 points while Evan Maynard, secured seven
rebounds.
“We have played 10 players almost every game this season,” Stecker said. “We were able to split
time more evenly between the starters and reserves.”
BAHS wasted little time asserting itself in the game, which was played in just more than one hour.
Seth Dennis scored all six of his points as BAHS opened the game with 11 unanswered points.
The Tigers moved to an 18-2 lead a few minutes later and had built a 25-4 cushion after one
quarter.
By halftime, Broken Arrow was in cruise control with a hefty 46-9 advantage.
“We saw Fayetteville score 36 points (Thursday night) against Central. We wanted to keep them
around 30 to 35 points,” Stecker said.
“They struggled against us. I think our size and length advantage bothered them. They had a
tough time getting good looks at the basket.”
The Tiger defense forced 26 turnovers and permitted Fayetteville only 19 shots from the floor.
BAHS held a decisive 39-14 edge on the boards.
“We played good, solid defense tonight,” Stecker said.
Meanwhile, the BAHS offense canned nine 3-pointers (in 29 attempts) and was true on 26-of-40
field goals from two-point range.
The Tigers opened the second half with a pair of baskets before Fayetteville scored a field goal
with just less than seven minutes to go in the third quarter.
Those points would be their final ones of the night.
From there, the Tigers finished the game on a 36-0 scoring spree.
Memorial 63, Broken Arrow JV 47
Broken Arrow hung around until a fourth-quarter flurry carried No. 1-ranked Memorial to a double-
digit win.
Brandon Haynes shared game-high scoring honors with 16 points to pace BAHS. His total
included four treys.
Chase Williams chipped in 14 for the Tigers, which trailed by just nine, 42-33, entering the final
period.
But a 21-point final quarter carried the Chargers (15-1) to victory.
Tulsa Interstate Classic
At Memorial High School
BROKEN ARROW 86, FAYETTEVILLE CHRISTIAN 11
Broken Arrow 25 21 20 20-86
Fayetteville Christian 4 5 2 0-11
BA - Land, 13, Toupal 12, St. Dennis 12, Walton 11, Waymire 8, Se. Dennis 6, Reed 6, Maynard
5, Grant 5.
FC – Riley 4, Sypult 3, McLarty 2, Johnson 2.
— — —
MEMORIAL 63, BROKEN ARROW JV 47
Broken Arrow 6 11 16 14 47
Memorial 19 12 11 21 63
MHS – Cornelius 16, Downing 14, Lucas 11, Debose 7, Anderson 5, Beicher 4, Myers 3,
Sturdivant 2, McIntye 1
BAJV – Haynes 16, Williams 14, Gaynor 6, Hopper 4, Kirkpatrick 3, Mills 2, Shacklett 2.
************************************************************
Tigers cruise again at Interstate Classic
Broken Arrow improves to 14-0
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, January 24, 2009 3:16 PM CST
Sam Walton hasn’t heard his named called on public address system very often this season.
But, when it’s happened “it’s been pretty cool,” the Broken Arrow High School senior said.
Over the last three days, Walton heard his name plenty of times during the Interstate Classic at
Tulsa Memorial.
“It’s been neat to get some playing time,” he said. “It’s a chance to show what I can do.”
On Saturday, the 6-7 Walton was coach Rusty Stecker’s substitute in unbeaten BAHS’s 83-55
victory over Austin (Texas) Can Academy at Memorial High School.
In less than three minutes, Walton had scored four points.
A week earlier against Lawton Eisenhower, Walton was inserted in the fourth quarter and
registered six points, three rebounds and three fouls in three minutes.
Stecker has stressed to Walton the importance of being ready, even though he’s not seen
extended playing time.
“Sam knows he’s got to be prepared,” Stecker said. “You never know when somebody is going to
roll an ankle or get hurt.
“He’s got a lot of talent and is starting to really come around. Sam’s on that edge.”
An illness the last two days kept senior Chris Collins out of action, opening the door for Walton.
“This was perfect example,” Stecker said.
Walton, who usually plants himself at the far end of the bench, hit his first four field goals and
finished 5-for-8 from the floor for 11 points. He also had six rebounds, five of those in the second
half.
“I hit those first four shots,” Walton said, nodding his head. “Then, I missed a couple I shouldn’t
have.”
Walton played the second quarter and part of the third quarter as Stecker rotated his players
throughout the game.
Stecker left Walton on the floor with four starters to open the fourth quarter.
“That was neat, too,” Walton said.
Austin Can Academy was a more formidable foe than Fayetteville Christian on Friday when the
Tigers cakewalked, 86-11.
ACA’s quickness concerned Stecker.
“It was key we controlled the game and make them (Austin Can) play our game,” Stecker said. “If
we didn’t do that, the game could have had a different outcome.”
Stecker employed all 10 Tigers and for a second straight game, all 11 got into the scoring act.
BAHS’s Kody Waymire led all scorers with 15 points which included 6-of-7 at the free throw line,
while pulling down six rebounds.
Jake Toupal and Seth Dennis – two other starters – each had 10 points.
Toupal and ACA’s Lawrence Boorgous shared game rebounding honors with eight.
Broken Arrow (14-0) was 28-of-54 shooting (20-of-36 from inside the arc) and hit 19-of-28 free
throws.
The Tigers are idle until Jan. 31 when they play a Frontier Valley Conference game at Muskogee.
Tulsa Select Interstate Classic
BROKEN ARROW 83, AUSTIN CAN ACADEMY 55
Austin Can Academy 10 16 5 12-55
Broken Arrow 25 24 17 17-83
ACA - Donald Richerson 9, Elijah Nelson 9, Chris Thompson 8, John Davison 7, Ira Kincheon 5,
Javar Quinton 5, Lawrence Boorgeous 4, Justin Gamble 2.
BAHS - Kody Waymire 15, Sam Walton 11, Jake Toupal 10, Seth Dennis 10, Brandon Land 8,
Stephen Dennis 8, Marnard Grant 7, Tyson Reed 5, Evan Maynard 5, Drew Howerton 4.
— — —
Tulsa Central 72, Broken Arrow JV 41
Central’s varsity must have gotten a halftime message – this game was for real.
BAJV trailed only 27-14 at intermission before the Braves exploded in the second half.
The Tiger junior varsity played two games in the tournament after a varsity team had backed out.
TULSA CENTRAL 72, BROKEN ARROW JV
Broken Arrow JV 9 5 10 17-41
Tulsa Central 19 8 23 22-72
BAJV - Wells 7, Kirkpatrick 5, Gaynor 5, Williams 5, Hopper 4, Harris 3, Haynes 2, Mills 2, Boyer 2,
Terry 2, Burr 2, Shacklett 2.
Broken Arrow improves to 14-0
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, January 24, 2009 3:16 PM CST
Sam Walton hasn’t heard his named called on public address system very often this season.
But, when it’s happened “it’s been pretty cool,” the Broken Arrow High School senior said.
Over the last three days, Walton heard his name plenty of times during the Interstate Classic at
Tulsa Memorial.
“It’s been neat to get some playing time,” he said. “It’s a chance to show what I can do.”
On Saturday, the 6-7 Walton was coach Rusty Stecker’s substitute in unbeaten BAHS’s 83-55
victory over Austin (Texas) Can Academy at Memorial High School.
In less than three minutes, Walton had scored four points.
A week earlier against Lawton Eisenhower, Walton was inserted in the fourth quarter and
registered six points, three rebounds and three fouls in three minutes.
Stecker has stressed to Walton the importance of being ready, even though he’s not seen
extended playing time.
“Sam knows he’s got to be prepared,” Stecker said. “You never know when somebody is going to
roll an ankle or get hurt.
“He’s got a lot of talent and is starting to really come around. Sam’s on that edge.”
An illness the last two days kept senior Chris Collins out of action, opening the door for Walton.
“This was perfect example,” Stecker said.
Walton, who usually plants himself at the far end of the bench, hit his first four field goals and
finished 5-for-8 from the floor for 11 points. He also had six rebounds, five of those in the second
half.
“I hit those first four shots,” Walton said, nodding his head. “Then, I missed a couple I shouldn’t
have.”
Walton played the second quarter and part of the third quarter as Stecker rotated his players
throughout the game.
Stecker left Walton on the floor with four starters to open the fourth quarter.
“That was neat, too,” Walton said.
Austin Can Academy was a more formidable foe than Fayetteville Christian on Friday when the
Tigers cakewalked, 86-11.
ACA’s quickness concerned Stecker.
“It was key we controlled the game and make them (Austin Can) play our game,” Stecker said. “If
we didn’t do that, the game could have had a different outcome.”
Stecker employed all 10 Tigers and for a second straight game, all 11 got into the scoring act.
BAHS’s Kody Waymire led all scorers with 15 points which included 6-of-7 at the free throw line,
while pulling down six rebounds.
Jake Toupal and Seth Dennis – two other starters – each had 10 points.
Toupal and ACA’s Lawrence Boorgous shared game rebounding honors with eight.
Broken Arrow (14-0) was 28-of-54 shooting (20-of-36 from inside the arc) and hit 19-of-28 free
throws.
The Tigers are idle until Jan. 31 when they play a Frontier Valley Conference game at Muskogee.
Tulsa Select Interstate Classic
BROKEN ARROW 83, AUSTIN CAN ACADEMY 55
Austin Can Academy 10 16 5 12-55
Broken Arrow 25 24 17 17-83
ACA - Donald Richerson 9, Elijah Nelson 9, Chris Thompson 8, John Davison 7, Ira Kincheon 5,
Javar Quinton 5, Lawrence Boorgeous 4, Justin Gamble 2.
BAHS - Kody Waymire 15, Sam Walton 11, Jake Toupal 10, Seth Dennis 10, Brandon Land 8,
Stephen Dennis 8, Marnard Grant 7, Tyson Reed 5, Evan Maynard 5, Drew Howerton 4.
— — —
Tulsa Central 72, Broken Arrow JV 41
Central’s varsity must have gotten a halftime message – this game was for real.
BAJV trailed only 27-14 at intermission before the Braves exploded in the second half.
The Tiger junior varsity played two games in the tournament after a varsity team had backed out.
TULSA CENTRAL 72, BROKEN ARROW JV
Broken Arrow JV 9 5 10 17-41
Tulsa Central 19 8 23 22-72
BAJV - Wells 7, Kirkpatrick 5, Gaynor 5, Williams 5, Hopper 4, Harris 3, Haynes 2, Mills 2, Boyer 2,
Terry 2, Burr 2, Shacklett 2.
.Lady Tigers rout Muskogee, 70-41
For third at John Nobles Invitational
Published:
Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:09 PM CST
MOORE — Taylor Lewis matched a career-high with 33 points as Broken Arrow High School
waxed Muskogee, 70-41, Saturday for third place at the John Nobles Invitational.
Lewis, a senior who has signed with Northeastern State University, got 14 of her tally in the first
quarter as the Lady Tigers (12-2) never trailed.
The 12 victories equals the total of wins for BAHS in the two previous seasons.
“We’re proud of being 12-2 but recognize we have a lot of work to do,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon
said.
Broken Arrow jumped to its early lead with a pressure defense that forced Muskogee into
turnovers as Chelsi Dennis added 14 points.
“We got a lot of layups off those turnovers,” Calhoon said.
Lewis had 19 points by half, helping the Lady Tigers build a 40-20 cushion at the break, and
added 13 in the third quarter.
She did not play in the fourth quarter as Calhoon emptied his bench.
Broken Arrow entered the eight-team field as the defending champion but was bounced, 50-48, in
the semifinals by Lawton.
“I wouldn’t say we played all that well,” said Calhoon, now in his third season at BAHS. “We weren’
t very disciplined on defense. But, we got the ‘W’ and that’s what matters.”
It was the 12th game for the Lady Tigers since the second semester resumed Jan. 6.
“That’s a lot of games,” Calhoon said. “We are as dead-legged as dead-legged can be right now.
We beat up, battered and bruised.”
The Lady Tigers don’t play again until Jan. 31 at Muskogee in a Frontier Valley Conference game.
“I am glad we don’t play Tuesday,” Calhoon said. “Our girls need the rest and a chance to heal.”
John Nobles Invitational
Third Place
BROKEN ARROW 70, MUSKOGEE 41
Broken Arrow 22 8 17 11-70
Muskogee 12 8 13 6-41
BA - Taylor Lewis 33, Chelsi Dennis 14, Valerie Santiago 6, Brianna Hopkins 6, Katie Morgan 2,
Becca Hill 2, Cassie Kramme 2, Jessica Sprung 2, Shanna Johnson 2.
MHS - Stancle 15, Davis 8, London 6, Clark 5, Brown 5, Huitt 1, Cone 1.
For third at John Nobles Invitational
Published:
Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:09 PM CST
MOORE — Taylor Lewis matched a career-high with 33 points as Broken Arrow High School
waxed Muskogee, 70-41, Saturday for third place at the John Nobles Invitational.
Lewis, a senior who has signed with Northeastern State University, got 14 of her tally in the first
quarter as the Lady Tigers (12-2) never trailed.
The 12 victories equals the total of wins for BAHS in the two previous seasons.
“We’re proud of being 12-2 but recognize we have a lot of work to do,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon
said.
Broken Arrow jumped to its early lead with a pressure defense that forced Muskogee into
turnovers as Chelsi Dennis added 14 points.
“We got a lot of layups off those turnovers,” Calhoon said.
Lewis had 19 points by half, helping the Lady Tigers build a 40-20 cushion at the break, and
added 13 in the third quarter.
She did not play in the fourth quarter as Calhoon emptied his bench.
Broken Arrow entered the eight-team field as the defending champion but was bounced, 50-48, in
the semifinals by Lawton.
“I wouldn’t say we played all that well,” said Calhoon, now in his third season at BAHS. “We weren’
t very disciplined on defense. But, we got the ‘W’ and that’s what matters.”
It was the 12th game for the Lady Tigers since the second semester resumed Jan. 6.
“That’s a lot of games,” Calhoon said. “We are as dead-legged as dead-legged can be right now.
We beat up, battered and bruised.”
The Lady Tigers don’t play again until Jan. 31 at Muskogee in a Frontier Valley Conference game.
“I am glad we don’t play Tuesday,” Calhoon said. “Our girls need the rest and a chance to heal.”
John Nobles Invitational
Third Place
BROKEN ARROW 70, MUSKOGEE 41
Broken Arrow 22 8 17 11-70
Muskogee 12 8 13 6-41
BA - Taylor Lewis 33, Chelsi Dennis 14, Valerie Santiago 6, Brianna Hopkins 6, Katie Morgan 2,
Becca Hill 2, Cassie Kramme 2, Jessica Sprung 2, Shanna Johnson 2.
MHS - Stancle 15, Davis 8, London 6, Clark 5, Brown 5, Huitt 1, Cone 1.
************************************************************
Perfect record surprises BAHS's Stecker
Tiger put 14-0 mark on line Friday at Muskogee
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 10:27 AM CST
Nobody’s more surprised at Broken Arrow High School’s
14-0 record than Tiger coach Rusty Stecker.
“Before the season started, you couldn’t have told me
we’d be here,” Stecker said.
Nobody would have either.
Now, Stecker said, his club has to erase those contests
from its memory.
Broken Arrow’s next three games – at Muskogee Friday;
at Jenks Feb. 3 and Union Feb. 6 – are the most pivotal
of the season.
“We’ve been stressing to our kids to not look back and
don’t look at our record,” Stecker said. “We’re broken it
down into a three-game season.”
Stecker said the Tigers have to win at least one of the three “probably” to host a regional, which
starts Feb. 26.
“If we don’t win any of these next three,” Stecker said, “there a chance we could have been 14-0
and not host (a regional).”
Stecker isn’t a betting man. Instead, the 10th-year coach is a realist.
“We know we’re going to lose some games,” he said. “We’re grounded. We realize if we don’t get
those breaks, or create those breaks, we can be average really quick.”
BAHS is outscoring opponents, 64.1-42.3, while hitting 71 percent of its free throws (152-of-214)
and shooting 45 percent from the floor (323-of-714), including 99-of-307 from 3-point range
(32.2 percent).
Junior Jake Toupal is the only Tiger scoring in double figures (15.6).
Balance has carried BAHS offensively with Kody Waymire (8.6), Marnard Grant (6.8), Seth
Dennis (6.1), Drew Howerton (5.4) and Stephen Dennis (5.4).
Waymire, grandson of former BAHS girls coach Jerry Waymire, is the Tigers’ leading rebounder
with 5.3 a game and Toupal follows at 4.8.
The Tigers, who were shy on experience and size at the season start, “don’t have any magical
solution” to their success, Stecker said.
“We’ve gotten breaks to go our way in four or five games,” he said. “If those bounces or shots
had gone the other way, we could be 10-4 or 9-5.”
One of those key moments was Toupal’s last second bucket to beat Tahlequah in the Muskogee
Shrine Classic semifinal.
The next night, Waymire sank two crucial free throws down the stretch in a 48-46 victory over
Muskogee in the title game.
More talented BAHS teams under Stecker haven’t been so lucky.
“In the past, it seemed to breaks went the other way,” Stecker said. “Had those not happened,
there’s a chance we would have a state championship or two. Maybe, three, who knows.”
Tiger put 14-0 mark on line Friday at Muskogee
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 10:27 AM CST
Nobody’s more surprised at Broken Arrow High School’s
14-0 record than Tiger coach Rusty Stecker.
“Before the season started, you couldn’t have told me
we’d be here,” Stecker said.
Nobody would have either.
Now, Stecker said, his club has to erase those contests
from its memory.
Broken Arrow’s next three games – at Muskogee Friday;
at Jenks Feb. 3 and Union Feb. 6 – are the most pivotal
of the season.
“We’ve been stressing to our kids to not look back and
don’t look at our record,” Stecker said. “We’re broken it
down into a three-game season.”
Stecker said the Tigers have to win at least one of the three “probably” to host a regional, which
starts Feb. 26.
“If we don’t win any of these next three,” Stecker said, “there a chance we could have been 14-0
and not host (a regional).”
Stecker isn’t a betting man. Instead, the 10th-year coach is a realist.
“We know we’re going to lose some games,” he said. “We’re grounded. We realize if we don’t get
those breaks, or create those breaks, we can be average really quick.”
BAHS is outscoring opponents, 64.1-42.3, while hitting 71 percent of its free throws (152-of-214)
and shooting 45 percent from the floor (323-of-714), including 99-of-307 from 3-point range
(32.2 percent).
Junior Jake Toupal is the only Tiger scoring in double figures (15.6).
Balance has carried BAHS offensively with Kody Waymire (8.6), Marnard Grant (6.8), Seth
Dennis (6.1), Drew Howerton (5.4) and Stephen Dennis (5.4).
Waymire, grandson of former BAHS girls coach Jerry Waymire, is the Tigers’ leading rebounder
with 5.3 a game and Toupal follows at 4.8.
The Tigers, who were shy on experience and size at the season start, “don’t have any magical
solution” to their success, Stecker said.
“We’ve gotten breaks to go our way in four or five games,” he said. “If those bounces or shots
had gone the other way, we could be 10-4 or 9-5.”
One of those key moments was Toupal’s last second bucket to beat Tahlequah in the Muskogee
Shrine Classic semifinal.
The next night, Waymire sank two crucial free throws down the stretch in a 48-46 victory over
Muskogee in the title game.
More talented BAHS teams under Stecker haven’t been so lucky.
“In the past, it seemed to breaks went the other way,” Stecker said. “Had those not happened,
there’s a chance we would have a state championship or two. Maybe, three, who knows.”
ON A ROLL — Broken Arrow High School
basketball coach Rusty Stecker says the
Tigers have gotten breaks this season to
be 14-0. BAHS is scheduled to play
Friday at Muskogee. JIM FUNK/For the BA
Ledger
basketball coach Rusty Stecker says the
Tigers have gotten breaks this season to
be 14-0. BAHS is scheduled to play
Friday at Muskogee. JIM FUNK/For the BA
Ledger
Lady Tigers 'positioning' to host regional
BAHS faces critical week
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 10:30 AM CST
There’s a big picture coach Ed Calhoon is painting for his
Broken Arrow High School team.
Calhoon has post-season on his mind and pieces of that
puzzle are beginning to fall into place.
The 12-2 Lady Tigers are in a “positioning” game as the
regular season heads in the home stretch.
BAHS is jockeying to host a regional tournament Feb. 26,
something the Lady Tigers haven’t done in at least seven
years.
“Getting to host (a regional) was our No. 1 goal coming
into the season,” Calhoon said. “That’s what we’re
shooting for.”
That stretch, however, is only three games long.
The first step is Friday at Muskogee, a familiar foe.
BAHS waxed the Rougherettes, 70-41, last Saturday for
third place at the John Nobles Invitational at Moore.
Two games that truly matter to BAHS’s regional dreams are Feb. 3 at Jenks and Feb. 6 at
defending state champion Union.
“We need a split,” Calhoon said. “Just winning one of those would help us tremendously.”
After the Union game, rankings and ratings will be submitted to determine regional hosts and
assignments.
The last six regular season games will have no impact on the post-season.
Calhoon’s team completed a rugged 10-game, 18-day stretch at the Nobles Invitational.
The Lady Tigers went 8-2 and played only once at home with road trips to the Muskogee Shrine
Invitational, Tahlequah-Sequoyah, Lawton and Moore.
Calhoon gave his varsity players Monday off. The Lady Tigers got bonus time at least Tuesday
and Wednesday with school cancelled because of icy road conditions.
“We were in full recovery mode,” Calhoon said. “That’s been a lot of traveling and a lot of games
in a short time. It’s been three weeks since they’d gotten two days off in a row.”
BAHS faces critical week
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 10:30 AM CST
There’s a big picture coach Ed Calhoon is painting for his
Broken Arrow High School team.
Calhoon has post-season on his mind and pieces of that
puzzle are beginning to fall into place.
The 12-2 Lady Tigers are in a “positioning” game as the
regular season heads in the home stretch.
BAHS is jockeying to host a regional tournament Feb. 26,
something the Lady Tigers haven’t done in at least seven
years.
“Getting to host (a regional) was our No. 1 goal coming
into the season,” Calhoon said. “That’s what we’re
shooting for.”
That stretch, however, is only three games long.
The first step is Friday at Muskogee, a familiar foe.
BAHS waxed the Rougherettes, 70-41, last Saturday for
third place at the John Nobles Invitational at Moore.
Two games that truly matter to BAHS’s regional dreams are Feb. 3 at Jenks and Feb. 6 at
defending state champion Union.
“We need a split,” Calhoon said. “Just winning one of those would help us tremendously.”
After the Union game, rankings and ratings will be submitted to determine regional hosts and
assignments.
The last six regular season games will have no impact on the post-season.
Calhoon’s team completed a rugged 10-game, 18-day stretch at the Nobles Invitational.
The Lady Tigers went 8-2 and played only once at home with road trips to the Muskogee Shrine
Invitational, Tahlequah-Sequoyah, Lawton and Moore.
Calhoon gave his varsity players Monday off. The Lady Tigers got bonus time at least Tuesday
and Wednesday with school cancelled because of icy road conditions.
“We were in full recovery mode,” Calhoon said. “That’s been a lot of traveling and a lot of games
in a short time. It’s been three weeks since they’d gotten two days off in a row.”
SEEING A BIG PICTURE — Broken Arrow
High School girls basketball coach Ed
Calhoon and the Lady Tigers are on the
verge of hosting a Class 6A regional
tournament next month. JIM FUNK/For the
BA Ledger
High School girls basketball coach Ed
Calhoon and the Lady Tigers are on the
verge of hosting a Class 6A regional
tournament next month. JIM FUNK/For the
BA Ledger
************************************************************
************************************************************
TIGER RALLY UPENDS MUSKOGEE, 50-43
Toupal's 24 helps BAHS improve to 15-0
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, January 31, 2009 12:13 AM CST
MUSKOGEE — Jake Toupal hadn’t felt well for several days.
That didn’t seem to bother the Broken Arrow High School junior’s shooting touch Friday night.
Toupal nailed 6-of-9 3-pointers and poured through 24 points as the unbeaten Tigers rallied by
Muskogee, 50-43, in a Frontier Valley Conference game at Milam Gymnasium.
In a game with post-season electricity, BAHS improved to 15-0, extending its school record best
start.
BAHS puts that on the line Tuesday at Union in an FVC game.
Toupal was 4-of-5 shooting treys in the second half, when he scored 18 of his game-high tally.
“I guess I was feeling it,” Toupal said. “My teammates were getting me open.”
The fourth-ranked Tigers battled back from a 12-point deficit in the first half.
A 3-pointer by Chris Collins gave BAHS a tie at 40-40 with 3:25 left in the game.
Toupal followed with his last trey at the 2:55 mark to give the Tigers their first lead since 5-4 in
the first three minutes.
“Once we got the momentum, we didn’t give it back,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said.
BAHS, which knocked off the Roughers, 48-46, Jan. 6 in the Muskogee Shrine Classic final, had
a 46-43 lead after a Stephen Dennis free throw with 1:37 showing.
The Tigers kept that margin for the next 66 seconds before Marnard Grant sank two free throws
for a five-point cushion.
It was atonement time for the junior point guard, who missed a 1-and-1 situation with 52 seconds
left.
“I went ‘Wow!’” Grant said. “I don’t usually miss three throws. When I got another chance, I wasn’t
about to miss.”
Toupal sealed the verdict with two free throws with 13 seconds left.
That winning streak appeared in jeopardy early after the sixth-ranked Roughers bolted to a 20-8
lead after five straight points by Devante Wilson to open the second quarter.
“It wasn’t so much what we weren’t doing,” Stecker said. “Muskogee played very well the first
quarter and half.”
BAHS closed the gap to 27-24 in the second quarter on a bucket by Drew Howerton but the
Roughers answered with six points in a minute for a nine point.
The Tigers trailed 33-29 at half despite being 0-for-4 from inside the arc and just 5-of-17 from
the field.
“We played better defense in the second half,” Grant said. “That was big.”
Muskogee was 8-of-18 shooting in the first half and had an 11-6 rebounding edge at the break.
In the second half, the Roughers committed eight of their 18 turnovers, five of those in the fourth
quarter.
Meanwhile, the Tigers had 11 turnovers, only three in the second half.
“We got a lot of production from our bench,” Stecker said. “That helped.”
BROKEN ARROW 50, MUSKOGEE 43
Broken Arrow 8 9 16 17-50
Muskogee 15 7 7 14-43
BA - Jake Toupal 24, Marnard Grant 10, Chris Collins 5, Drew Howerton 5, Seth Dennis 4,
Stephen Dennis 3.
MHS - Oren Faulk 15, Daniel Moore 12, Devante Wilson 8, Jerome Beasley 6, Micah Smith 2.
Toupal's 24 helps BAHS improve to 15-0
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, January 31, 2009 12:13 AM CST
MUSKOGEE — Jake Toupal hadn’t felt well for several days.
That didn’t seem to bother the Broken Arrow High School junior’s shooting touch Friday night.
Toupal nailed 6-of-9 3-pointers and poured through 24 points as the unbeaten Tigers rallied by
Muskogee, 50-43, in a Frontier Valley Conference game at Milam Gymnasium.
In a game with post-season electricity, BAHS improved to 15-0, extending its school record best
start.
BAHS puts that on the line Tuesday at Union in an FVC game.
Toupal was 4-of-5 shooting treys in the second half, when he scored 18 of his game-high tally.
“I guess I was feeling it,” Toupal said. “My teammates were getting me open.”
The fourth-ranked Tigers battled back from a 12-point deficit in the first half.
A 3-pointer by Chris Collins gave BAHS a tie at 40-40 with 3:25 left in the game.
Toupal followed with his last trey at the 2:55 mark to give the Tigers their first lead since 5-4 in
the first three minutes.
“Once we got the momentum, we didn’t give it back,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said.
BAHS, which knocked off the Roughers, 48-46, Jan. 6 in the Muskogee Shrine Classic final, had
a 46-43 lead after a Stephen Dennis free throw with 1:37 showing.
The Tigers kept that margin for the next 66 seconds before Marnard Grant sank two free throws
for a five-point cushion.
It was atonement time for the junior point guard, who missed a 1-and-1 situation with 52 seconds
left.
“I went ‘Wow!’” Grant said. “I don’t usually miss three throws. When I got another chance, I wasn’t
about to miss.”
Toupal sealed the verdict with two free throws with 13 seconds left.
That winning streak appeared in jeopardy early after the sixth-ranked Roughers bolted to a 20-8
lead after five straight points by Devante Wilson to open the second quarter.
“It wasn’t so much what we weren’t doing,” Stecker said. “Muskogee played very well the first
quarter and half.”
BAHS closed the gap to 27-24 in the second quarter on a bucket by Drew Howerton but the
Roughers answered with six points in a minute for a nine point.
The Tigers trailed 33-29 at half despite being 0-for-4 from inside the arc and just 5-of-17 from
the field.
“We played better defense in the second half,” Grant said. “That was big.”
Muskogee was 8-of-18 shooting in the first half and had an 11-6 rebounding edge at the break.
In the second half, the Roughers committed eight of their 18 turnovers, five of those in the fourth
quarter.
Meanwhile, the Tigers had 11 turnovers, only three in the second half.
“We got a lot of production from our bench,” Stecker said. “That helped.”
BROKEN ARROW 50, MUSKOGEE 43
Broken Arrow 8 9 16 17-50
Muskogee 15 7 7 14-43
BA - Jake Toupal 24, Marnard Grant 10, Chris Collins 5, Drew Howerton 5, Seth Dennis 4,
Stephen Dennis 3.
MHS - Oren Faulk 15, Daniel Moore 12, Devante Wilson 8, Jerome Beasley 6, Micah Smith 2.
Lady Tigers pummel Muskogee, 72-49
BAHS shakes Lady Roughers with fourth quarter blitz
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 30, 2009 11:37 PM CST
MUSKOGEE — Ed Calhoon just finished watching his Broken Arrow High School team grind out
a 72-49 victory over Muskogee.
The Lady Tigers posted their 13th victory and it wasn’t as pretty as the final score might have
indicated.
“It was ugly,” Calhoon said after the Frontier Valley Conference triumph at Ron Milam
Gymnasium. “We were out of rhythm and out of sync offensively.”
Then, the fourth year coach scratched his head.
“I sure hate saying that when we’ve just scored 72 points,” Calhoon said.
Then, Calhoon pointed to the glaring statistic. The game had 40 turnovers, 18 by his club.
Now 13-2, BAHS couldn’t put Muskogee away until the last three minutes by scoring the game’s
last 12 points.
The Lady Roughers (2-11) were beaten by Broken Arrow, 71-40, six days earlier in the third
place game at the John Nobles Invitational in Moore.
In that meeting, BAHS controlled the contest. This time, Muskogee was in striking distance until
the final minutes.
MHS, which had fallen behind 48-32 early in the fourth quarter began a comeback with a 14-4
flurry, aided by BAHS mistakes.
When the Lady Roughers reeled off six uncontested points to narrow the gap to 52-44 with 5:07
to play, Calhoon called a timeout.
“We were making too many turnovers,” Calhoon said. “We made some adjustments. After that
we pulled away.”
Taylor Lewis and Chelsi Dennis combined to score BAHS’s next eight points for a 60-49 cushion
with two and a half minutes left.
In the Lady Tigers’ final dozen points, BAHS was 6-for-6 shooting free throws. Broken Arrow
finished the game 20-of-28 for free throws, including 12-of-15 in the fourth quarter.
Lewis led all scorers with 20 points – 12 in the second half – on the strength of 8-of-10 free
throws.
The game saw two ties and three lead changes in the first quarter.
Vanessa Bledsoe came off the bench to score six of her 13 points in the opening period. She
had five of her six rebounds in the first half.
A short jumper by Bledsoe put BAHS in front to stay, 14-13, and she capped the opening quarter
with a layup for a 19-13 advantage.
Chelsi Dennis had 12 points for the Lady Tigers and pulled down a game-best seven rebounds,
all in the second half.
Valerie Santiago rounded out Broken Arrow’s balanced scoring with 11, six coming in the first
half.
Broken Arrow was 24-of-46 shooting, including only 3-of-11 from 3-point range.
Briasha Billings and Hyancith Stancle combined for 34 for Muskogee but only 11 of those came
in the second half.
BAHS plays at Union Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 6 at Jenks.
BROKEN ARROW 72, MUSKOGEE 49
Broken Arrow 19 13 15 25-72
Muskogee 13 7 12 17-49
BA - Taylor Lewis 20, Vanessa Bledsoe 13 Chelsi Dennis 12, Valerie Santiago 11, Brianna
Hopkins 9, Katie Morgan 4, Brooke Scott 2, Shanna Johnson 1.
MHS - Briasha Billings 18, Hyacinth Stancle 16, Tisa Cone 8, Salece Davis 1.
BAHS shakes Lady Roughers with fourth quarter blitz
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 30, 2009 11:37 PM CST
MUSKOGEE — Ed Calhoon just finished watching his Broken Arrow High School team grind out
a 72-49 victory over Muskogee.
The Lady Tigers posted their 13th victory and it wasn’t as pretty as the final score might have
indicated.
“It was ugly,” Calhoon said after the Frontier Valley Conference triumph at Ron Milam
Gymnasium. “We were out of rhythm and out of sync offensively.”
Then, the fourth year coach scratched his head.
“I sure hate saying that when we’ve just scored 72 points,” Calhoon said.
Then, Calhoon pointed to the glaring statistic. The game had 40 turnovers, 18 by his club.
Now 13-2, BAHS couldn’t put Muskogee away until the last three minutes by scoring the game’s
last 12 points.
The Lady Roughers (2-11) were beaten by Broken Arrow, 71-40, six days earlier in the third
place game at the John Nobles Invitational in Moore.
In that meeting, BAHS controlled the contest. This time, Muskogee was in striking distance until
the final minutes.
MHS, which had fallen behind 48-32 early in the fourth quarter began a comeback with a 14-4
flurry, aided by BAHS mistakes.
When the Lady Roughers reeled off six uncontested points to narrow the gap to 52-44 with 5:07
to play, Calhoon called a timeout.
“We were making too many turnovers,” Calhoon said. “We made some adjustments. After that
we pulled away.”
Taylor Lewis and Chelsi Dennis combined to score BAHS’s next eight points for a 60-49 cushion
with two and a half minutes left.
In the Lady Tigers’ final dozen points, BAHS was 6-for-6 shooting free throws. Broken Arrow
finished the game 20-of-28 for free throws, including 12-of-15 in the fourth quarter.
Lewis led all scorers with 20 points – 12 in the second half – on the strength of 8-of-10 free
throws.
The game saw two ties and three lead changes in the first quarter.
Vanessa Bledsoe came off the bench to score six of her 13 points in the opening period. She
had five of her six rebounds in the first half.
A short jumper by Bledsoe put BAHS in front to stay, 14-13, and she capped the opening quarter
with a layup for a 19-13 advantage.
Chelsi Dennis had 12 points for the Lady Tigers and pulled down a game-best seven rebounds,
all in the second half.
Valerie Santiago rounded out Broken Arrow’s balanced scoring with 11, six coming in the first
half.
Broken Arrow was 24-of-46 shooting, including only 3-of-11 from 3-point range.
Briasha Billings and Hyancith Stancle combined for 34 for Muskogee but only 11 of those came
in the second half.
BAHS plays at Union Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 6 at Jenks.
BROKEN ARROW 72, MUSKOGEE 49
Broken Arrow 19 13 15 25-72
Muskogee 13 7 12 17-49
BA - Taylor Lewis 20, Vanessa Bledsoe 13 Chelsi Dennis 12, Valerie Santiago 11, Brianna
Hopkins 9, Katie Morgan 4, Brooke Scott 2, Shanna Johnson 1.
MHS - Briasha Billings 18, Hyacinth Stancle 16, Tisa Cone 8, Salece Davis 1.
************************************************************
************************************************************
Broken Arrow win streak snapped
Union hands Tigers first loss, 55-41
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 11:09 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School’s remarkable 15-game winning
streak ended Tuesday night in a 55-41 loss at rival Union.
But, it’s not the end of the world for Rusty Stecker.
“Hey,” the 10th year BAHS coach said, shrugging his
shoulders, “these things happen. We’ll learn from this
and move forward.”
It doesn’t get easier with the Tigers playing Friday at
Jenks at 8 p.m. and then hosting a rematch with the
Redskins Monday in a rescheduled game.
Broken Arrow made a living the first 15 games with timely
3-point shooting.
The Tigers didn’t have that touch against Union by hitting
only 3-of-29 attempts from behind the arc.
For the game, BAHS was only 12-of-44 in total field goal
attempts.
Broken Arrow trailed 37-28 going into the fourth quarter and missed all nine 3-point attempts in
the stanza as Union began to pull away.
“There were a couple times when we didn’t do a good job in defensive transition and gave up
easy baskets,” Stecker said. “Then we starting forcing shots and that’s because the kids were
trying to make things happen for the team.”
Stecker said BAHS had other missed opportunities.
“We had six steals and get only one basket,” he said. “If we get three or four more, the game
might have been different.”
The Redskins (11-4) had a 43-33 lead three minutes into the fourth quarter and broke the game
open by outscoring the Tigers, 8-1, in a two minute span.
Union hit 19-of-28 free throws, including 9-of-12 in the fourth quarter, compared to 14-of-22 by
the Tigers.
UHS’s Tracy Moore led all scorers with 17 points while downing 7-of-11 field goals and 5-of-5 free
throws.
Junior Jake Toupal had 15 points for the Tigers but was only 1-of-3 for 3-pointers.
Marnard Grant and Drew Howerton had the only other treys for the Tigers.
UNION 55, BROKEN ARROW 41
Broken Arrow 13 6 9 13-41
Union 13 7 17 18-55
BA - Jake Toupal 15, Marnard Grant 6, Drew Howerton 5, Kody Waymire 5, Seth Dennis 4, Chris
Collins 2, Sam Walton 2, Brandon Land 2.
UHS - Tracy Moore 22, Sterling Ballard 9, Levi Giese 8, Terrell Williams 8, Quawan Carter 6,
Tyler Rice 2.
Union hands Tigers first loss, 55-41
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 11:09 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School’s remarkable 15-game winning
streak ended Tuesday night in a 55-41 loss at rival Union.
But, it’s not the end of the world for Rusty Stecker.
“Hey,” the 10th year BAHS coach said, shrugging his
shoulders, “these things happen. We’ll learn from this
and move forward.”
It doesn’t get easier with the Tigers playing Friday at
Jenks at 8 p.m. and then hosting a rematch with the
Redskins Monday in a rescheduled game.
Broken Arrow made a living the first 15 games with timely
3-point shooting.
The Tigers didn’t have that touch against Union by hitting
only 3-of-29 attempts from behind the arc.
For the game, BAHS was only 12-of-44 in total field goal
attempts.
Broken Arrow trailed 37-28 going into the fourth quarter and missed all nine 3-point attempts in
the stanza as Union began to pull away.
“There were a couple times when we didn’t do a good job in defensive transition and gave up
easy baskets,” Stecker said. “Then we starting forcing shots and that’s because the kids were
trying to make things happen for the team.”
Stecker said BAHS had other missed opportunities.
“We had six steals and get only one basket,” he said. “If we get three or four more, the game
might have been different.”
The Redskins (11-4) had a 43-33 lead three minutes into the fourth quarter and broke the game
open by outscoring the Tigers, 8-1, in a two minute span.
Union hit 19-of-28 free throws, including 9-of-12 in the fourth quarter, compared to 14-of-22 by
the Tigers.
UHS’s Tracy Moore led all scorers with 17 points while downing 7-of-11 field goals and 5-of-5 free
throws.
Junior Jake Toupal had 15 points for the Tigers but was only 1-of-3 for 3-pointers.
Marnard Grant and Drew Howerton had the only other treys for the Tigers.
UNION 55, BROKEN ARROW 41
Broken Arrow 13 6 9 13-41
Union 13 7 17 18-55
BA - Jake Toupal 15, Marnard Grant 6, Drew Howerton 5, Kody Waymire 5, Seth Dennis 4, Chris
Collins 2, Sam Walton 2, Brandon Land 2.
UHS - Tracy Moore 22, Sterling Ballard 9, Levi Giese 8, Terrell Williams 8, Quawan Carter 6,
Tyler Rice 2.
BLOCK OUT — Union High School's Levi
Giese (21) and Broken Arrow's Seth Dennis
(33) jockey for rebounding position Tuesday
night in Union's 55-41 victory over the
Tigers. It was BAHS's first loss after a 15-0
start.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
Giese (21) and Broken Arrow's Seth Dennis
(33) jockey for rebounding position Tuesday
night in Union's 55-41 victory over the
Tigers. It was BAHS's first loss after a 15-0
start.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
Union outlasts Lady Tigers, 38-33
Missed chances costly to BAHS
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 10:59 PM CST
Ed Calhoon couldn’t find many faults with his Broken
Arrow High School basketball team – even after a 38-33
loss to Union Tuesday night.
“Our game plan was there and we gave ourselves
opportunities to win,” Calhoon said. “There were things
we could have done better. But, this just shows how far
this team has come.”
Calhoon in his fourth season at BAHS said, despite the
outcome, the dividends will come.
“This shows our girls they can play with the best of them,”
Calhoon said. “We played hard and had our chances
against the defending state champions – in their house.”
In a game of defense and offensive lulls, Union (13-2)
held the Lady Tigers (13-3) to only three points in the
last 6:55.
BAHS’s Taylor Lewis converted a Union turnover into a bucket to give the Lady Tigers a 30-28
lead early in the fourth quarter.
Better than three minutes later, Union finally forged ahead, 34-30, on baskets by Carrington Fox
and Destinee Frierson with 2:09 to play.
Broken Arrow’s Brianna Hopkins answered with a conventional three-point play – a basket and free
throw – seven seconds later and suddenly the Lady Tigers were back in the hunt.
Roni Jefferson’s two free throws with 1:17 left pushed UHS’s lead back to four points and Broken
Arrow couldn’t recover.
“Our defense did what we wanted, keeping Union’s scoring down,” Calhoon said.
At the same time, Union’s defense stymied an ailing Taylor Lewis, Broken Arrow’s leading scorer,
holding the senior to five points.
“Taylor’s had a virus and wasn’t at her best,” Calhoon said. “We’ll get Taylor healthy and we’ll get
better.”
Chelsi Dennis and Hopkins each had 10 points for the Lady Tigers, who were 12-of-38 shooting,
including 2-of-10 from 3-point range.
In the second half, BAHS scored only 12 points on 4-of-18 shooting.
Frierson paced Union with 17 points by hitting 4-of-7 field goal tries inside the arc.
Fox had game rebounding honors with 12 while Dennis had nine and Hopkins seven for BAHS.
The Lady Tigers play Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Jenks and host Union Monday in a makeup game from
December.
UNION 38, BROKEN ARROW 33
Broken Arrow 13 8 7 5-33
Union 12 8 8 10-38
BA - Chelsi Dennis 10, Brianna Hopkins 10, Taylor Lewis 5, Becca Hill 5, Valerie Santiago 3.
UHS - Destinee Frierson 17, McKenzie Garcia 9, Carrington Fox 6, Roni Jefferson 3, Leann Riley 3.
Missed chances costly to BAHS
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 10:59 PM CST
Ed Calhoon couldn’t find many faults with his Broken
Arrow High School basketball team – even after a 38-33
loss to Union Tuesday night.
“Our game plan was there and we gave ourselves
opportunities to win,” Calhoon said. “There were things
we could have done better. But, this just shows how far
this team has come.”
Calhoon in his fourth season at BAHS said, despite the
outcome, the dividends will come.
“This shows our girls they can play with the best of them,”
Calhoon said. “We played hard and had our chances
against the defending state champions – in their house.”
In a game of defense and offensive lulls, Union (13-2)
held the Lady Tigers (13-3) to only three points in the
last 6:55.
BAHS’s Taylor Lewis converted a Union turnover into a bucket to give the Lady Tigers a 30-28
lead early in the fourth quarter.
Better than three minutes later, Union finally forged ahead, 34-30, on baskets by Carrington Fox
and Destinee Frierson with 2:09 to play.
Broken Arrow’s Brianna Hopkins answered with a conventional three-point play – a basket and free
throw – seven seconds later and suddenly the Lady Tigers were back in the hunt.
Roni Jefferson’s two free throws with 1:17 left pushed UHS’s lead back to four points and Broken
Arrow couldn’t recover.
“Our defense did what we wanted, keeping Union’s scoring down,” Calhoon said.
At the same time, Union’s defense stymied an ailing Taylor Lewis, Broken Arrow’s leading scorer,
holding the senior to five points.
“Taylor’s had a virus and wasn’t at her best,” Calhoon said. “We’ll get Taylor healthy and we’ll get
better.”
Chelsi Dennis and Hopkins each had 10 points for the Lady Tigers, who were 12-of-38 shooting,
including 2-of-10 from 3-point range.
In the second half, BAHS scored only 12 points on 4-of-18 shooting.
Frierson paced Union with 17 points by hitting 4-of-7 field goal tries inside the arc.
Fox had game rebounding honors with 12 while Dennis had nine and Hopkins seven for BAHS.
The Lady Tigers play Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Jenks and host Union Monday in a makeup game from
December.
UNION 38, BROKEN ARROW 33
Broken Arrow 13 8 7 5-33
Union 12 8 8 10-38
BA - Chelsi Dennis 10, Brianna Hopkins 10, Taylor Lewis 5, Becca Hill 5, Valerie Santiago 3.
UHS - Destinee Frierson 17, McKenzie Garcia 9, Carrington Fox 6, Roni Jefferson 3, Leann Riley 3.
DENIAL — Union High School's Larrielle
Giles (30) defenses Broken Arrow's Becca
Hill (32) Tuesday night. Union won the
game, 38-33, at the UMAC.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE LEDGER
Giles (30) defenses Broken Arrow's Becca
Hill (32) Tuesday night. Union won the
game, 38-33, at the UMAC.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE LEDGER
************************************************************
************************************************************
BASKETBALL ROUND-UP
Published:
Thursday, February 5, 2009 2:52 PM CST
Broken Arrow basketball teams returned to action Monday night
after an unexpected layoff last week because of a winter storm.
Regular seasons end this Thursday for eighth and ninth-graders before all teams enter Frontier
Valley Conference post-season tournaments. Pairings are expected to be announced Friday.
Freshmen and eighth-grade games last week will not be rescheduled.
— — —
SOPHOMORES
Broken Arrow-Bixby
Broken Arrow unleashed a smothering defense and Chelsi Dennis scored 14 points Monday
night as the Lady Tigers rolled to a 48-23 triumph at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Bixby managed only two points in the first quarter and trailed 32-11 at halftime in BAHS’s final
home game.
“Our defense and post play were the difference,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said.
In the boys game, the Tigers rallied from an early six-point deficit for a 46-40 victory.
Chase Williams led BAHS with 12 points and seven rebounds.
“Because of the ice storms, we hadn’t practiced much and it showed,” Tiger coach Bryon Flam
said. “We got tired and couldn’t hit open shots. But, I was very pleased with our effort.”
Other Tiger scorers were Todd Naftzger (9), Evan Drake (9), Aaron Kirkpatrick (5), Cameron
Terry (5), Ladamian Wilson (4), Kendall Perpall (2).
It was announced the BA sophomore games at Union Monday have been cancelled since the
varsities play makeup games at BAHS.
BROKEN ARROW 48, BIXBY 23 (girls)
Bixby 2 9 8 4-23
Broken Arrow 12 11 10 15-48
BA - Chelsi Dennis 14, Manessah Miller 8, Shanna Johnson 8, Hannah Lewis 7, Samantha Smith
4, Brooke Scott 3, Rhianna McBride 3, Molly Selman 1.
— — —
NINTH GRADE
BA Gold-Owasso
OWASSO — A second half rally by Broken Arrow Gold fell short as Owasso held off the Tigers,
41-37, Monday night in the boys game.
Gold trailed 21-11 at halftime and had narrowed the difference to two points late in the game.
“We had wide-open 3-point shots and missed 10 of them,” BA coach Greg Durbin said. “If a
couple of them go down, we win.”
Will Armstead and Anthony Fobbs led the Tigers with 10 points.
OWASSO 41, BA GOLD 37
Broken Arrow Gold 9 2 15 11-37
Owasso 12 9 11 9-41
BA - Will Armstead 10, Anthony Fobbs 10, Dylan Anderson 6, Zach Holmes 5, Jacob Evans 3,
Levi Copeland 3.
•
EIGHTH-GRADE
Haskell-Muskogee Gray
Defense was the difference at Haskell swept home games Monday night.
In the girls game, the Lady Tigers pitched a fourth quarter shut out and pulled away for a 44-20
triumph.
“It took three quarters to shake off eight days without practice,” HMS coach Wendell Fichtner
said. “It all came together in the fourth quarter.”
Ashlyn McBride led Haskell with 14 points and Karlie Peck had 11.
Tatianna Chatman followed with nine points, all on 3-pointers, with five steals and five assists in
the fourth quarter.
Melanie Leak had four steals in a two-minute stretch of the second quarter.
In the boys game, the Tigers limited Gray to eight points in the second half for a 66-30 rout.
“We played great defense in the third quarter,” HMS coach Denis Schmitt said. “That put the
game away.”
Jordan Huffman led the Tigers with 17 points and Ryan McCollough added 15.
HASKELL 44, MUSKOGEE GRAY 20 (girls)
Muskogee Gray 6 6 8 0-20
Haskell 12 9 8 15-44
HMS - Ashlyn McBride 14, Karlie Peck 11, Tatianna Chatman 9, Alyx Erdmann 4, Desire Walker
4, Melanie Leak 2.
HASKELL 66, MUSKOGEE GRAY 30 (boys)
Muskogee Gray 14 8 1 7-30
Haskell 19 1 27 9-66
HMS - Jordan Huffman 17, Ryan McCollough 15, Rodney Gaulden 9, Kevin Barnett 6, Brady
Reeves 6, Mitchell Rovang 4, Nick Millan 4, Alex Lewis 4, Korbyn Easley 2.
— — —
Sequoyah-Jenks White
JENKS — Jenks White used a third quarter surge and then turned back BA, 33-28, in the girls
game.
“We played a great game,” SMS coach Theresa Hammers said, “until the very end.”
The loss overshadowed a 17-point, 9-rebound effort by SMS’s Lemesha Brothers.
JENKS WHITE 33, SEQUOYAH 28 (girls)
Sequoyah 8 8 7 5-28
Jenks White 6 6 12 9-33
SMS - Lemesha Brothers 17, Victoria Letney 4, Kylie Hussey 3, Roni Bagby 2, Tiara Dotson 2.
— — —
Oliver-Muskogee White
MUSKOGEE — Oliver girls lost, 32-21, to Muskogee White in “a very fast game,” OMS coach
Cindy Wilson said.
Quarters were six minutes, instead of the normal seven.
“The referee said it was a new rule this year because seventh graders were players,” Wilson
said. “That was very interesting.”
Shiloh Price led Oliver with seven points.
MUSKOGEE WHITE 32, OLIVER 21 (girls)
Oliver 8 5 2 6-21
Muskogee White 6 8 7 9-32
OMS - Shiloh Price 7, Kenna Dyess 4, Jasmine Thompson 4, Maddie Johnson 2, Morgan Taylor
2, Laura Lowe 2.
— — —
Centennial-Owasso Red
Centennial’s boys had their chances but couldn’t make it happen.
Owasso Red converted a turnover in the last 30 seconds into a layup to break a tie and knock
down the Tigers, 54-52, at CMS.
After Owasso had taken the lead, Centennial missed two shots at the buzzer to force overtime.
Trey Cobb “played a great all-round game,” coach Kevin Evans said, and led the Tigers with 21
points.
Frankie Davis “played his second great game” with 15 points while Sterling Thompson “had his
best game of the year,” with 11.
OWASSO RED 54, CENTENNIAL 52
Owasso Red 39 15-54
Centennial 35 17-52
CMS - Trey Cobb 21, Frankie Davis 15, Sterling Thompson 11, Blake Smith 3, Derrick Jestice 2.
Published:
Thursday, February 5, 2009 2:52 PM CST
Broken Arrow basketball teams returned to action Monday night
after an unexpected layoff last week because of a winter storm.
Regular seasons end this Thursday for eighth and ninth-graders before all teams enter Frontier
Valley Conference post-season tournaments. Pairings are expected to be announced Friday.
Freshmen and eighth-grade games last week will not be rescheduled.
— — —
SOPHOMORES
Broken Arrow-Bixby
Broken Arrow unleashed a smothering defense and Chelsi Dennis scored 14 points Monday
night as the Lady Tigers rolled to a 48-23 triumph at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Bixby managed only two points in the first quarter and trailed 32-11 at halftime in BAHS’s final
home game.
“Our defense and post play were the difference,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said.
In the boys game, the Tigers rallied from an early six-point deficit for a 46-40 victory.
Chase Williams led BAHS with 12 points and seven rebounds.
“Because of the ice storms, we hadn’t practiced much and it showed,” Tiger coach Bryon Flam
said. “We got tired and couldn’t hit open shots. But, I was very pleased with our effort.”
Other Tiger scorers were Todd Naftzger (9), Evan Drake (9), Aaron Kirkpatrick (5), Cameron
Terry (5), Ladamian Wilson (4), Kendall Perpall (2).
It was announced the BA sophomore games at Union Monday have been cancelled since the
varsities play makeup games at BAHS.
BROKEN ARROW 48, BIXBY 23 (girls)
Bixby 2 9 8 4-23
Broken Arrow 12 11 10 15-48
BA - Chelsi Dennis 14, Manessah Miller 8, Shanna Johnson 8, Hannah Lewis 7, Samantha Smith
4, Brooke Scott 3, Rhianna McBride 3, Molly Selman 1.
— — —
NINTH GRADE
BA Gold-Owasso
OWASSO — A second half rally by Broken Arrow Gold fell short as Owasso held off the Tigers,
41-37, Monday night in the boys game.
Gold trailed 21-11 at halftime and had narrowed the difference to two points late in the game.
“We had wide-open 3-point shots and missed 10 of them,” BA coach Greg Durbin said. “If a
couple of them go down, we win.”
Will Armstead and Anthony Fobbs led the Tigers with 10 points.
OWASSO 41, BA GOLD 37
Broken Arrow Gold 9 2 15 11-37
Owasso 12 9 11 9-41
BA - Will Armstead 10, Anthony Fobbs 10, Dylan Anderson 6, Zach Holmes 5, Jacob Evans 3,
Levi Copeland 3.
•
EIGHTH-GRADE
Haskell-Muskogee Gray
Defense was the difference at Haskell swept home games Monday night.
In the girls game, the Lady Tigers pitched a fourth quarter shut out and pulled away for a 44-20
triumph.
“It took three quarters to shake off eight days without practice,” HMS coach Wendell Fichtner
said. “It all came together in the fourth quarter.”
Ashlyn McBride led Haskell with 14 points and Karlie Peck had 11.
Tatianna Chatman followed with nine points, all on 3-pointers, with five steals and five assists in
the fourth quarter.
Melanie Leak had four steals in a two-minute stretch of the second quarter.
In the boys game, the Tigers limited Gray to eight points in the second half for a 66-30 rout.
“We played great defense in the third quarter,” HMS coach Denis Schmitt said. “That put the
game away.”
Jordan Huffman led the Tigers with 17 points and Ryan McCollough added 15.
HASKELL 44, MUSKOGEE GRAY 20 (girls)
Muskogee Gray 6 6 8 0-20
Haskell 12 9 8 15-44
HMS - Ashlyn McBride 14, Karlie Peck 11, Tatianna Chatman 9, Alyx Erdmann 4, Desire Walker
4, Melanie Leak 2.
HASKELL 66, MUSKOGEE GRAY 30 (boys)
Muskogee Gray 14 8 1 7-30
Haskell 19 1 27 9-66
HMS - Jordan Huffman 17, Ryan McCollough 15, Rodney Gaulden 9, Kevin Barnett 6, Brady
Reeves 6, Mitchell Rovang 4, Nick Millan 4, Alex Lewis 4, Korbyn Easley 2.
— — —
Sequoyah-Jenks White
JENKS — Jenks White used a third quarter surge and then turned back BA, 33-28, in the girls
game.
“We played a great game,” SMS coach Theresa Hammers said, “until the very end.”
The loss overshadowed a 17-point, 9-rebound effort by SMS’s Lemesha Brothers.
JENKS WHITE 33, SEQUOYAH 28 (girls)
Sequoyah 8 8 7 5-28
Jenks White 6 6 12 9-33
SMS - Lemesha Brothers 17, Victoria Letney 4, Kylie Hussey 3, Roni Bagby 2, Tiara Dotson 2.
— — —
Oliver-Muskogee White
MUSKOGEE — Oliver girls lost, 32-21, to Muskogee White in “a very fast game,” OMS coach
Cindy Wilson said.
Quarters were six minutes, instead of the normal seven.
“The referee said it was a new rule this year because seventh graders were players,” Wilson
said. “That was very interesting.”
Shiloh Price led Oliver with seven points.
MUSKOGEE WHITE 32, OLIVER 21 (girls)
Oliver 8 5 2 6-21
Muskogee White 6 8 7 9-32
OMS - Shiloh Price 7, Kenna Dyess 4, Jasmine Thompson 4, Maddie Johnson 2, Morgan Taylor
2, Laura Lowe 2.
— — —
Centennial-Owasso Red
Centennial’s boys had their chances but couldn’t make it happen.
Owasso Red converted a turnover in the last 30 seconds into a layup to break a tie and knock
down the Tigers, 54-52, at CMS.
After Owasso had taken the lead, Centennial missed two shots at the buzzer to force overtime.
Trey Cobb “played a great all-round game,” coach Kevin Evans said, and led the Tigers with 21
points.
Frankie Davis “played his second great game” with 15 points while Sterling Thompson “had his
best game of the year,” with 11.
OWASSO RED 54, CENTENNIAL 52
Owasso Red 39 15-54
Centennial 35 17-52
CMS - Trey Cobb 21, Frankie Davis 15, Sterling Thompson 11, Blake Smith 3, Derrick Jestice 2.
************************************************************
Dennis, Santiago fuel BAHS, 51-45
Now 14-3, Lady Tigers hoping to host regional
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Friday, February 6, 2009 11:10 PM CST
JENKS — Broken Arrow High School knew a chance to host a
Class 6A regional was on the line Friday night.
The Lady Tigers would not be denied.
Trailing by five points with three minutes remaining, 10th-ranked
BAHS closed the game on a 12-1 run to claim a 51-45 victory in a
Frontier Valley Conference matchup at Frank Herald Gymnasium.
Valerie Santiago poured in a game-high 17 points while Chelsi
Dennis added 16 points and a game-high nine rebounds to lead
the Lady Tigers (14-3, 3-1).
“Our No. 1 goals from the first day of the season was to get a
No. 4 seed and play on our home court,” said Dennis, who
connected on 7-of-9 field goals, including her final five shots from
the floor.
Broken Arrow will learn next week if it has earned a host site after
the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association
determines regional pairings.
If the Lady Tigers do get the nod, it will be the first time they have
served as a regional host in more than five years.
“There is no way we shouldn’t have solidified a No. 4 seed,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said. “We
picked up a quality win on Jenks’ home floor.”
The victory did not come easy.
Jenks (9-9, 2-2) bolted to an early 10-2 lead and led by as many as 11 points, 24-13 with just 2:
33 to play before halftime.
But Dennis had a pair of baskets and Santiago nailed the first of her trio of 3-pointers as BAHS
closed the half with seven unanswered points to draw within 24-20 at intermission.
Dennis then knotted the game for the first time at 24-24 on a drive down the lane early in the
second half.
“Our game plan tonight was to get Chelsi going (offensively),” Calhoon said. “There are very few
players around who can stay defensively between Chelsi and the basket.”
Santiago gave the Lady Tigers their first lead of the game, 31-30, on a 3-pointer from the right
side with 3:03 to play in the third quarter.
Her third trey put Broken Arrow back in front, 37-36, after three periods.
A conventional three-point play by Taylor Newcomb, who topped Jenks with 14 points, helped the
Lady Trojans reclaim the lead 44-39 with 3:03 to play.
But Jenks would score just a single point the rest of the way.
Katie Morgan and Taylor Lewis, who had nine points, each swished a 3-pointer as Broken Arrow
took the lead for good, 45-44 with 1:54 to go.
Morgan then alertly tipped a defensive rebound out to the front court that led to a fast break
layup by Santiago and a 47-44 advantage with 1:23 to play.
Dennis and Lewis added a pair of free throws apiece down the stretch to ice the Lady Tiger win.
For the game BA finished 11-of-12 from the line.
“The last few games I have been trying to lead the team,” Dennis said.
Jasmine Smith chipped in 11 points for Jenks but was scoreless in the second half.
BROKEN ARROW 51, JENKS 45
Broken Arrow 8 12 17 13-51
Jenks 17 7 12 9-45
BA – Valerie Santiago 17, Chelsi Dennis 16, Taylor Lewis 9, Katie Morgan 6, Vanessa Bledsoe 3.
JHS – Newcomb 14, Smith 11, Dittus 9. Brown 4, Draper 3, Rains 2, Gollaba 2.
Now 14-3, Lady Tigers hoping to host regional
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Friday, February 6, 2009 11:10 PM CST
JENKS — Broken Arrow High School knew a chance to host a
Class 6A regional was on the line Friday night.
The Lady Tigers would not be denied.
Trailing by five points with three minutes remaining, 10th-ranked
BAHS closed the game on a 12-1 run to claim a 51-45 victory in a
Frontier Valley Conference matchup at Frank Herald Gymnasium.
Valerie Santiago poured in a game-high 17 points while Chelsi
Dennis added 16 points and a game-high nine rebounds to lead
the Lady Tigers (14-3, 3-1).
“Our No. 1 goals from the first day of the season was to get a
No. 4 seed and play on our home court,” said Dennis, who
connected on 7-of-9 field goals, including her final five shots from
the floor.
Broken Arrow will learn next week if it has earned a host site after
the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association
determines regional pairings.
If the Lady Tigers do get the nod, it will be the first time they have
served as a regional host in more than five years.
“There is no way we shouldn’t have solidified a No. 4 seed,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said. “We
picked up a quality win on Jenks’ home floor.”
The victory did not come easy.
Jenks (9-9, 2-2) bolted to an early 10-2 lead and led by as many as 11 points, 24-13 with just 2:
33 to play before halftime.
But Dennis had a pair of baskets and Santiago nailed the first of her trio of 3-pointers as BAHS
closed the half with seven unanswered points to draw within 24-20 at intermission.
Dennis then knotted the game for the first time at 24-24 on a drive down the lane early in the
second half.
“Our game plan tonight was to get Chelsi going (offensively),” Calhoon said. “There are very few
players around who can stay defensively between Chelsi and the basket.”
Santiago gave the Lady Tigers their first lead of the game, 31-30, on a 3-pointer from the right
side with 3:03 to play in the third quarter.
Her third trey put Broken Arrow back in front, 37-36, after three periods.
A conventional three-point play by Taylor Newcomb, who topped Jenks with 14 points, helped the
Lady Trojans reclaim the lead 44-39 with 3:03 to play.
But Jenks would score just a single point the rest of the way.
Katie Morgan and Taylor Lewis, who had nine points, each swished a 3-pointer as Broken Arrow
took the lead for good, 45-44 with 1:54 to go.
Morgan then alertly tipped a defensive rebound out to the front court that led to a fast break
layup by Santiago and a 47-44 advantage with 1:23 to play.
Dennis and Lewis added a pair of free throws apiece down the stretch to ice the Lady Tiger win.
For the game BA finished 11-of-12 from the line.
“The last few games I have been trying to lead the team,” Dennis said.
Jasmine Smith chipped in 11 points for Jenks but was scoreless in the second half.
BROKEN ARROW 51, JENKS 45
Broken Arrow 8 12 17 13-51
Jenks 17 7 12 9-45
BA – Valerie Santiago 17, Chelsi Dennis 16, Taylor Lewis 9, Katie Morgan 6, Vanessa Bledsoe 3.
JHS – Newcomb 14, Smith 11, Dittus 9. Brown 4, Draper 3, Rains 2, Gollaba 2.
TAKING CHARGE — Sophomore
Chelsi Dennis (15) scored 16
points and had nine rebounds to
help Broken Arrow High School
defeat Jenks, 51-45, Friday night.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
Chelsi Dennis (15) scored 16
points and had nine rebounds to
help Broken Arrow High School
defeat Jenks, 51-45, Friday night.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
************************************************************
Top-ranked Trojans deny Tigers, 56-46
Collins leads BAHS with 17 points off bench
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Friday, February 6, 2009 11:53 PM CST
JENKS — On many a night, against many an opponent, the final result for Broken Arrow High
School might well have been different.
But, on Friday night, the Tigers’ performance was just not enough.
Fourth-ranked Broken Arrow trailed by only three at halftime but could not overtake No. 2 and
undefeated Jenks, 56-46, in a Frontier Valley Conference affair at Frank Herald Gymnasium.
The Tigers’ Chris Collins came off the bench to lead all scorers with 17 points, the only BAHS
player to tally in double digits.
The loss was the second straight setback for Broken Arrow (15-2, 2-2) after the Tigers had
started the season with 15 consecutive wins.
“We gave everything we had,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “We played extremely hard. But
late in the third quarter and early in the fourth quarter they were able to get some second and
third shots at the basket after scrambling to come up with the ball.
“We played well enough to beat most other teams in the state.”
The Tigers’ 10-point deficit, according to Stecker, was the closest an opponent has played Jenks
on its home floor this season.
The Trojans (18-0, 4-0) were able to put the clamps on Broken Arrow’s leading scorer, Jake
Toupal, who had just five points.
Toupal was 2-of-11 from the floor, misfiring on all five of his 3-point attempts.
“Jenks did a good job on Toupal,” Stecker said. “You have to give them credit defensively.”
With Toupal struggling from the field, Collins stepped up to swish three, 3-pointers on the way to
his game-high total.
“Chris hit some big shots for us,” Stecker said. “He had a big game offensively.”
After Jenks built an early nine-point lead, Collins entered the game and scored eight
unanswered points for the Tigers on a conventional three-point play, a 3-pointer and a two-point
bucket.
Collins’ second 3-pointer of the opening half brought Broken Arrow to within 23-19 and a Collins
free throw pulled the Tigers within 25-24 with just under a minute to go before halftime.
The 6-5 senior forward finished the first half with 12 points.
But the one-point deficit would end up being as close as the Tigers would get.
The Trojans, who were paced by 16 points apiece from Bryson Pope and Brian Brookey, built
their lead back to 42-33 in the final minute of the third quarter.
A pair of Collins free throws enabled BAHS to get within 42-28 in the opening minute of the final
quarter.
But two Brookey baskets helped Jenks regain a nine-point advantage midway through the period
and the Trojans held off Broken Arrow down the stretch.
After playing 15 of their first 17 games on the road, the Tigers return home floor Monday at 8 p.
m. against Union in a rescheduled game.
UHS handed BAHS its first loss of the year on Tuesday, 55-41, at the UMAC.
“We’ll be excited to go home although it might seem a little strange at first,” Stecker said.
With their 15-2 mark, the Tigers hope to be tabbed a Class 6A regional host. Broken Arrow will
learn of regional pairings next week.
JENKS 56, BROKEN ARROW 46
Broken Arrow 9 15 12 10-46
Jenks 16 11 15 14-56
BA – Chris Collins 17, Drew Howerton 8, Marnard Grant 5, Jake Toupal 5, Kody Waymire 4, Seth
Dennis 3, Evan Maynard 2, Brandon Land 2.
JHS – Pope 16, Brookey 16, Morris 8, Ewings 7, Mason 5, Harris 2, Sidorakis 2.
Collins leads BAHS with 17 points off bench
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Friday, February 6, 2009 11:53 PM CST
JENKS — On many a night, against many an opponent, the final result for Broken Arrow High
School might well have been different.
But, on Friday night, the Tigers’ performance was just not enough.
Fourth-ranked Broken Arrow trailed by only three at halftime but could not overtake No. 2 and
undefeated Jenks, 56-46, in a Frontier Valley Conference affair at Frank Herald Gymnasium.
The Tigers’ Chris Collins came off the bench to lead all scorers with 17 points, the only BAHS
player to tally in double digits.
The loss was the second straight setback for Broken Arrow (15-2, 2-2) after the Tigers had
started the season with 15 consecutive wins.
“We gave everything we had,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “We played extremely hard. But
late in the third quarter and early in the fourth quarter they were able to get some second and
third shots at the basket after scrambling to come up with the ball.
“We played well enough to beat most other teams in the state.”
The Tigers’ 10-point deficit, according to Stecker, was the closest an opponent has played Jenks
on its home floor this season.
The Trojans (18-0, 4-0) were able to put the clamps on Broken Arrow’s leading scorer, Jake
Toupal, who had just five points.
Toupal was 2-of-11 from the floor, misfiring on all five of his 3-point attempts.
“Jenks did a good job on Toupal,” Stecker said. “You have to give them credit defensively.”
With Toupal struggling from the field, Collins stepped up to swish three, 3-pointers on the way to
his game-high total.
“Chris hit some big shots for us,” Stecker said. “He had a big game offensively.”
After Jenks built an early nine-point lead, Collins entered the game and scored eight
unanswered points for the Tigers on a conventional three-point play, a 3-pointer and a two-point
bucket.
Collins’ second 3-pointer of the opening half brought Broken Arrow to within 23-19 and a Collins
free throw pulled the Tigers within 25-24 with just under a minute to go before halftime.
The 6-5 senior forward finished the first half with 12 points.
But the one-point deficit would end up being as close as the Tigers would get.
The Trojans, who were paced by 16 points apiece from Bryson Pope and Brian Brookey, built
their lead back to 42-33 in the final minute of the third quarter.
A pair of Collins free throws enabled BAHS to get within 42-28 in the opening minute of the final
quarter.
But two Brookey baskets helped Jenks regain a nine-point advantage midway through the period
and the Trojans held off Broken Arrow down the stretch.
After playing 15 of their first 17 games on the road, the Tigers return home floor Monday at 8 p.
m. against Union in a rescheduled game.
UHS handed BAHS its first loss of the year on Tuesday, 55-41, at the UMAC.
“We’ll be excited to go home although it might seem a little strange at first,” Stecker said.
With their 15-2 mark, the Tigers hope to be tabbed a Class 6A regional host. Broken Arrow will
learn of regional pairings next week.
JENKS 56, BROKEN ARROW 46
Broken Arrow 9 15 12 10-46
Jenks 16 11 15 14-56
BA – Chris Collins 17, Drew Howerton 8, Marnard Grant 5, Jake Toupal 5, Kody Waymire 4, Seth
Dennis 3, Evan Maynard 2, Brandon Land 2.
JHS – Pope 16, Brookey 16, Morris 8, Ewings 7, Mason 5, Harris 2, Sidorakis 2.
************************************************************
Lady Tigers come up short, 48-44
Union thwarts BAHS's late chances
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Monday, February 9, 2009 11:46 PM CST
Patience might be a virtue. In basketball, it comes with experience.
Defending state champion Union High School displayed that calmness under fire Monday night.
The Lady Redskins turned back Broken Arrow, 48-44, in a makeup Frontier Valley Conference
game at Tiger Fieldhouse.
It was the second four-point victory for UHS over Broken Arrow in six days.
Union (15-2) forced a turnover, and blocked a shot in the final 24 seconds to wrestle away the
decision after trailing by seven points in the final stanza.
“They (Union) have that experience in those kind of situations,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said.
“For us, it was a learning experience.”
Broken Arrow (14-4) had possession and trailed 45-44 in the waning seconds but committed a
turnover.
On the play, Union’s Roni Jefferson was fouled and the senior hit one of two free throws.
On the Lady Tigers’ ensuing possession, Taylor Lewis missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer.
When BAHS’s Chelsi Dennis rebounded, the stellar sophomore was fouled, giving the Lady
Tigers an inbound play.
Union’s Larrielle Giles, a 6-1 sophomore, blocked a Dennis jumper – which would have tied the
game – with 10 seconds left preserve the lead.
Jefferson then iced the outcome by hitting both ends of a 1-and-1 free throw opportunity for the
four-point difference.
“Hey, we had our chances at the end,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said. “It didn’t happen for us
again.”
Six days earlier, UHS beat the Lady Tigers, 37-33.
Broken Arrow had a 42-35 lead with less than six minutes to play.
Union went on a pivotal 10-0 run, capped by back-to-back 3-pointers by McKenzie Garcia,
daughter of Union boys’s coach Rudy Garcia, for a 45-42 advantage at the 3:48 mark.
Broken Arrow’s only points in the last 5:51 was a bucket by Dennis with 2:35 left that pulled the
Lady Tigers within one point.
Junior Valerie Santiago led BAHS with 16 points, 12 of those in the third quarter, and Dennis had
14, nine coming after halftime.
UHS was led by Carrington Fox with 10 points and six rebounds. Garcia, hitting three treys, had
nine points and six boards.
Becca Hill of BAHS had a game-high seven rebounds while the Lady Tigers were 11-of-14
shooting free throws.
The game had no bearing on the regional assignments, which haven’t been announced by the
Oklahoma Secondary Schools Association.
Calhoon, in his third season at BAHS, expects the Lady Tigers will host a regional tournament
Feb. 26, which would the first since 2002.
“We’ve been calling this ‘Four wins to a four-seed,” Calhoon said. “That’s how far our girls have
come in a year.”
Broken Arrow plays at Owasso Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and is idle until Feb. 16 hosting Jenks in a
makeup game.
UNION 48, BROKEN ARROW 44
Union 8 11 14
15-48
Broken Arrow 9 8 21 6-44
UHS - Carrington Fox 10, McKenzie Garcia 9, Destinee Frierson 8, Roni Jefferson 7, Larrielle
Giles 6, Anniee Zaio 5, Allison Christian 3.
BA - Chelsi Dennis 16, Valerie Santiago 14, Vanessa Bledsoe 6, Taylor Lewis 4, Becca Hill 2,
Brianna Hopkins 2.
Union thwarts BAHS's late chances
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Monday, February 9, 2009 11:46 PM CST
Patience might be a virtue. In basketball, it comes with experience.
Defending state champion Union High School displayed that calmness under fire Monday night.
The Lady Redskins turned back Broken Arrow, 48-44, in a makeup Frontier Valley Conference
game at Tiger Fieldhouse.
It was the second four-point victory for UHS over Broken Arrow in six days.
Union (15-2) forced a turnover, and blocked a shot in the final 24 seconds to wrestle away the
decision after trailing by seven points in the final stanza.
“They (Union) have that experience in those kind of situations,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said.
“For us, it was a learning experience.”
Broken Arrow (14-4) had possession and trailed 45-44 in the waning seconds but committed a
turnover.
On the play, Union’s Roni Jefferson was fouled and the senior hit one of two free throws.
On the Lady Tigers’ ensuing possession, Taylor Lewis missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer.
When BAHS’s Chelsi Dennis rebounded, the stellar sophomore was fouled, giving the Lady
Tigers an inbound play.
Union’s Larrielle Giles, a 6-1 sophomore, blocked a Dennis jumper – which would have tied the
game – with 10 seconds left preserve the lead.
Jefferson then iced the outcome by hitting both ends of a 1-and-1 free throw opportunity for the
four-point difference.
“Hey, we had our chances at the end,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said. “It didn’t happen for us
again.”
Six days earlier, UHS beat the Lady Tigers, 37-33.
Broken Arrow had a 42-35 lead with less than six minutes to play.
Union went on a pivotal 10-0 run, capped by back-to-back 3-pointers by McKenzie Garcia,
daughter of Union boys’s coach Rudy Garcia, for a 45-42 advantage at the 3:48 mark.
Broken Arrow’s only points in the last 5:51 was a bucket by Dennis with 2:35 left that pulled the
Lady Tigers within one point.
Junior Valerie Santiago led BAHS with 16 points, 12 of those in the third quarter, and Dennis had
14, nine coming after halftime.
UHS was led by Carrington Fox with 10 points and six rebounds. Garcia, hitting three treys, had
nine points and six boards.
Becca Hill of BAHS had a game-high seven rebounds while the Lady Tigers were 11-of-14
shooting free throws.
The game had no bearing on the regional assignments, which haven’t been announced by the
Oklahoma Secondary Schools Association.
Calhoon, in his third season at BAHS, expects the Lady Tigers will host a regional tournament
Feb. 26, which would the first since 2002.
“We’ve been calling this ‘Four wins to a four-seed,” Calhoon said. “That’s how far our girls have
come in a year.”
Broken Arrow plays at Owasso Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and is idle until Feb. 16 hosting Jenks in a
makeup game.
UNION 48, BROKEN ARROW 44
Union 8 11 14
15-48
Broken Arrow 9 8 21 6-44
UHS - Carrington Fox 10, McKenzie Garcia 9, Destinee Frierson 8, Roni Jefferson 7, Larrielle
Giles 6, Anniee Zaio 5, Allison Christian 3.
BA - Chelsi Dennis 16, Valerie Santiago 14, Vanessa Bledsoe 6, Taylor Lewis 4, Becca Hill 2,
Brianna Hopkins 2.
************************************************************
************************************************************
Busy week for BAHS basketball
Broken Arrow hosts Jenks Monday, Muskogee Tuesday
Published:
Monday, February 16, 2009 9:22 AM CST
Broken Arrow High School basketball launches a busy week Monday hosting Jenks in a pair of
Frontier Valley Conference games at Tiger Fieldhouse.
The girls game is 6:30 p.m. and the boys follow. BAHS greets Muskogee Tuesday and hosts
Lawton High Friday night and Lawton Eisenhower Saturday to complete the regular season.
Both BAHS teams host regional tournaments with the girls playing first round games Feb. 26 and
the boys Feb. 27.
Meanwhile, BAHS wrestling enters the Class 6A East Regional Friday and Saturday at Sapulpa
while BAHS swimmers have their state meet Friday and Saturday in Oklahoma City.
•
SPORTS CALENDAR: Feb. 16-21
MONDAY, FEB 16
• High School Basketball: Jenks at Broken Arrow (makeup), 6:30 & 8 p.m. Jenks JV at BAJV, 4 p.m.
• High School Baseball: Sperry at Broken Arrow (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, FEB. 17
• High School Basketball: Muskogee at Broken Arrow, 6:30 & 8 p.m.; Muskogee JV at BAJV, 4 p.m.
• High School Baseball: Sand Springs at Broken Arrow (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.; BAJV at Sand
Springs JV (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.
• High School Soccer: East Central boys at Broken Arrow (scrimmage), Memorial Stadium, 6 p.m.
• Ninth-Grade Baseball: Broken Arrow at Metro Christian (scrimmage), 4 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
• High School Baseball: Broken Arrow at Jenks (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.; Jenks JV at BAJV
(scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
• High School Basketball: Lawton High at Broken Arrow, 6:30 & 8 p.m.; Lawton JV at BAJV, 4 p.m.
• High School Wrestling: Broken Arrow at regional, Sapulpa, noon.
• High School Swimming: Broken Arrow at state meet, Oklahoma City, 11 a.m.
• Ninth-Grade Baseball: Jenks at Broken Arrow, 3:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21
• High School Basketball: Lawton Ike at Broken Arrow, 1 & 2:30 p.m.; Lawton JV at BAJV boys, noon.
• High School Wrestling: Broken Arrow at regional, Sapulpa, noon.
• High School Swimming: Broken Arrow at state meet, Oklahoma City, 11 a.m.
• High School Baseball: Broken Arrow at Bixby (scrimmage), noon.
• High School Soccer: Broken Arrow Girls at TU Preseason, TBA.
Broken Arrow hosts Jenks Monday, Muskogee Tuesday
Published:
Monday, February 16, 2009 9:22 AM CST
Broken Arrow High School basketball launches a busy week Monday hosting Jenks in a pair of
Frontier Valley Conference games at Tiger Fieldhouse.
The girls game is 6:30 p.m. and the boys follow. BAHS greets Muskogee Tuesday and hosts
Lawton High Friday night and Lawton Eisenhower Saturday to complete the regular season.
Both BAHS teams host regional tournaments with the girls playing first round games Feb. 26 and
the boys Feb. 27.
Meanwhile, BAHS wrestling enters the Class 6A East Regional Friday and Saturday at Sapulpa
while BAHS swimmers have their state meet Friday and Saturday in Oklahoma City.
•
SPORTS CALENDAR: Feb. 16-21
MONDAY, FEB 16
• High School Basketball: Jenks at Broken Arrow (makeup), 6:30 & 8 p.m. Jenks JV at BAJV, 4 p.m.
• High School Baseball: Sperry at Broken Arrow (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, FEB. 17
• High School Basketball: Muskogee at Broken Arrow, 6:30 & 8 p.m.; Muskogee JV at BAJV, 4 p.m.
• High School Baseball: Sand Springs at Broken Arrow (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.; BAJV at Sand
Springs JV (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.
• High School Soccer: East Central boys at Broken Arrow (scrimmage), Memorial Stadium, 6 p.m.
• Ninth-Grade Baseball: Broken Arrow at Metro Christian (scrimmage), 4 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
• High School Baseball: Broken Arrow at Jenks (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.; Jenks JV at BAJV
(scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
• High School Basketball: Lawton High at Broken Arrow, 6:30 & 8 p.m.; Lawton JV at BAJV, 4 p.m.
• High School Wrestling: Broken Arrow at regional, Sapulpa, noon.
• High School Swimming: Broken Arrow at state meet, Oklahoma City, 11 a.m.
• Ninth-Grade Baseball: Jenks at Broken Arrow, 3:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21
• High School Basketball: Lawton Ike at Broken Arrow, 1 & 2:30 p.m.; Lawton JV at BAJV boys, noon.
• High School Wrestling: Broken Arrow at regional, Sapulpa, noon.
• High School Swimming: Broken Arrow at state meet, Oklahoma City, 11 a.m.
• High School Baseball: Broken Arrow at Bixby (scrimmage), noon.
• High School Soccer: Broken Arrow Girls at TU Preseason, TBA.
Tigers' tailspin reaches three
Union hands BAHS, 48-33, loss at Tiger Fieldhouse
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Monday, February 9, 2009 11:43 PM CST
Teams have ups and downs.
For 15 games, Broken Arrow High School was on top of the world unbeaten and ranked in the
top five in Class 6A.
In a matter of six days, the Tigers have that world turned upside down with three straight losses.
On Monday night, Union spanked BAHS, 48-33, at Tiger Fieldhouse in a near-repeat of the
Redskins’ 15-point victory Feb. 3 at the UMAC.
Union started the tailspin with a 55-41 triumph that night. Top-ranked and unbeaten Jenks
added a 56-46 loss Feb. 6.
“We’re out of sync right now,” Tiger coach Rusty Stecker said. “We have to plug along, work and
get better.”
Broken Arrow doesn’t have time to regroup, playing at Owasso Tuesday.
Over the last three games, a Broken Arrow offense – which averages nearly 60 points a game –
has scored only 120.
The Tigers’ Achilles Heal against Union has been its 3-point shooting.
On Tuesday, BAHS was only 6-of-31 behind the arc. In the first game against UHS, the Tigers
were 3-of-29.
“With our size – or I should say size disadvantage – we have to shoot well,” Stecker said. “Some
of our key guys are struggling but you have to give credit to defenses, too. They’ve done good
jobs against us.”
Tuesday’s loss was eerily similar to the 55-41 loss at Union with the Redskins exploiting Broken
Arrow’s cold shooting.
And, in both games, Union took control in the second halves.
In this meeting, the Tigers scored only 15 points in the second half, partly because BAHS was 5-
for-35 in total field goals after intermission.
“When the shots didn’t fall, we panicked,” Stecker said, referring to the second half. “We had
guys who tried to step up and make things happen for the team.
“But, experience will tell you when it’s time to that. It’s something we are learning.”
After an 18-18 standoff in the first half, Union raced to a 29-21 lead.
Stephen Dennis came off the bench and gave the Tigers a short-lived jump-start with five
unanswered points to pull the Tigers within 29-26. That was a close as BAHS would get the rest
of the game.
BAHS went cold and didn’t score again for the next three and half minutes and fell behind, 34-
26, at the end of the third quarter.
Two free throws and a bucket by Toupal kept BAHS in striking distance, 38-33, with 5:20 to play.
That, was all she wrote for the Tigers, who went scoreless the balance of the contest while the
Redskins had the last 10 points.
Union’s Levi Giese, a 6-9 senior, led all scorers with 17 points and had rebounding honors with
13, eight of his boards in the second half.
“They (Union) did good job with its high-low and we couldn’t match up,” Stecker said.
For the game, BAHS was 10-of-42 from the field (the Tigers were 12-of-44 in the first meeting)
while Toupal had a team-high 11 points.
After its Owasso road game, BAHS hosts Jenks Feb. 16 in a makeup game and Muskogee Feb.
17.
UNION 48, BROKEN ARROW 33
Union 10 8 16 14-48
Broken Arrow 14 4 8 7-33
UHS - Levi Giese 17, Terrell Williams 8, Sterling Ballard 6, Tyler Rice 5, Howard Scarborough 5,
Quawan Carter 4, Tracy Moore 3.
BA - Jake Toupal 11, Stephen Dennis 8, Marnard Grant 6, Drew Howerton 4, Kody Waymire 2,
Tyson Reed 2.
Union hands BAHS, 48-33, loss at Tiger Fieldhouse
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Monday, February 9, 2009 11:43 PM CST
Teams have ups and downs.
For 15 games, Broken Arrow High School was on top of the world unbeaten and ranked in the
top five in Class 6A.
In a matter of six days, the Tigers have that world turned upside down with three straight losses.
On Monday night, Union spanked BAHS, 48-33, at Tiger Fieldhouse in a near-repeat of the
Redskins’ 15-point victory Feb. 3 at the UMAC.
Union started the tailspin with a 55-41 triumph that night. Top-ranked and unbeaten Jenks
added a 56-46 loss Feb. 6.
“We’re out of sync right now,” Tiger coach Rusty Stecker said. “We have to plug along, work and
get better.”
Broken Arrow doesn’t have time to regroup, playing at Owasso Tuesday.
Over the last three games, a Broken Arrow offense – which averages nearly 60 points a game –
has scored only 120.
The Tigers’ Achilles Heal against Union has been its 3-point shooting.
On Tuesday, BAHS was only 6-of-31 behind the arc. In the first game against UHS, the Tigers
were 3-of-29.
“With our size – or I should say size disadvantage – we have to shoot well,” Stecker said. “Some
of our key guys are struggling but you have to give credit to defenses, too. They’ve done good
jobs against us.”
Tuesday’s loss was eerily similar to the 55-41 loss at Union with the Redskins exploiting Broken
Arrow’s cold shooting.
And, in both games, Union took control in the second halves.
In this meeting, the Tigers scored only 15 points in the second half, partly because BAHS was 5-
for-35 in total field goals after intermission.
“When the shots didn’t fall, we panicked,” Stecker said, referring to the second half. “We had
guys who tried to step up and make things happen for the team.
“But, experience will tell you when it’s time to that. It’s something we are learning.”
After an 18-18 standoff in the first half, Union raced to a 29-21 lead.
Stephen Dennis came off the bench and gave the Tigers a short-lived jump-start with five
unanswered points to pull the Tigers within 29-26. That was a close as BAHS would get the rest
of the game.
BAHS went cold and didn’t score again for the next three and half minutes and fell behind, 34-
26, at the end of the third quarter.
Two free throws and a bucket by Toupal kept BAHS in striking distance, 38-33, with 5:20 to play.
That, was all she wrote for the Tigers, who went scoreless the balance of the contest while the
Redskins had the last 10 points.
Union’s Levi Giese, a 6-9 senior, led all scorers with 17 points and had rebounding honors with
13, eight of his boards in the second half.
“They (Union) did good job with its high-low and we couldn’t match up,” Stecker said.
For the game, BAHS was 10-of-42 from the field (the Tigers were 12-of-44 in the first meeting)
while Toupal had a team-high 11 points.
After its Owasso road game, BAHS hosts Jenks Feb. 16 in a makeup game and Muskogee Feb.
17.
UNION 48, BROKEN ARROW 33
Union 10 8 16 14-48
Broken Arrow 14 4 8 7-33
UHS - Levi Giese 17, Terrell Williams 8, Sterling Ballard 6, Tyler Rice 5, Howard Scarborough 5,
Quawan Carter 4, Tracy Moore 3.
BA - Jake Toupal 11, Stephen Dennis 8, Marnard Grant 6, Drew Howerton 4, Kody Waymire 2,
Tyson Reed 2.
************************************************************
************************************************************
Jenks paddles BAHS, 67-43
Tigers' tailspin reaches five
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 3:01 PM CST
Second-ranked Jenks High School might have shown Class 6A it was ready for the playoffs – at
Broken Arrow’s expense.
The Trojans muscled their way to a 67-43 Frontier Valley Conference victory over BAHS at Tiger
Fieldhouse Monday night.
There was little the Tigers could to stop Jenks, which improved to 20-1 while handing BAHS its sixth
straight loss.
Coach Clay Martin’s club was 10-of-14 from 3-point range and made the Tiger pay for early
mistakes.
“There times when they were open,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “There were time, though,
when were hanging all over and the shot would still go in.”
The bigger and more physical Trojans set the tone early.
Broken Arrow tried to burrow its way through the paint in the first quarter four times.
“We attacked the glass,” Stecker said. “And, three times we got our shots blocked. We couldn’t get
the ball over the rim.”
University of Tulsa-bound Bryson Pope of Jenks scored the games first seven points and the
Trojans had a 9-0 lead.
In over just six minutes, that lead had ballooned to 17-2 and the Tigers couldn’t recover.
“We struggled to score and they made it look easy,” Stecker said. “We never got momentum on
offense.”
Pope was the only player in double figures with 19 points, 17 of those in the first half when the
Trojans enjoyed a 39-20 halftime advantage.
“I was proud how our kids kept playing hard,” Stecker said. “We couldn’t make anything happen.”
Jenks finished the game by hitting 26-of-44 field goal tries.
The Tigers were 13-of-39 from the field, including 6-of-16 from 3-point range.
JENKS 67, BROKEN ARROW 43
Jenks 22 17 14 14-67
Broken Arrow 5 15 9 14-43
JHS - Bryson Pope 19, Anthony Harris 9, Brian Bookey 8, C.J. Sidorkis 7, David Mason 6, Doug
McKnight 5, Tyler Ott 5, Alex Ewings 4, Marshall Morris 4.
BAHS - Chris Collins 9, Jake Toupal 8, Stephen Dennis 8, Brandon Land 6, Marnard Grant 4, Drew
Howerton 2, Kody Waymire 2, Tyson Reed 2, Sam Walton 2.
Tigers' tailspin reaches five
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 3:01 PM CST
Second-ranked Jenks High School might have shown Class 6A it was ready for the playoffs – at
Broken Arrow’s expense.
The Trojans muscled their way to a 67-43 Frontier Valley Conference victory over BAHS at Tiger
Fieldhouse Monday night.
There was little the Tigers could to stop Jenks, which improved to 20-1 while handing BAHS its sixth
straight loss.
Coach Clay Martin’s club was 10-of-14 from 3-point range and made the Tiger pay for early
mistakes.
“There times when they were open,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “There were time, though,
when were hanging all over and the shot would still go in.”
The bigger and more physical Trojans set the tone early.
Broken Arrow tried to burrow its way through the paint in the first quarter four times.
“We attacked the glass,” Stecker said. “And, three times we got our shots blocked. We couldn’t get
the ball over the rim.”
University of Tulsa-bound Bryson Pope of Jenks scored the games first seven points and the
Trojans had a 9-0 lead.
In over just six minutes, that lead had ballooned to 17-2 and the Tigers couldn’t recover.
“We struggled to score and they made it look easy,” Stecker said. “We never got momentum on
offense.”
Pope was the only player in double figures with 19 points, 17 of those in the first half when the
Trojans enjoyed a 39-20 halftime advantage.
“I was proud how our kids kept playing hard,” Stecker said. “We couldn’t make anything happen.”
Jenks finished the game by hitting 26-of-44 field goal tries.
The Tigers were 13-of-39 from the field, including 6-of-16 from 3-point range.
JENKS 67, BROKEN ARROW 43
Jenks 22 17 14 14-67
Broken Arrow 5 15 9 14-43
JHS - Bryson Pope 19, Anthony Harris 9, Brian Bookey 8, C.J. Sidorkis 7, David Mason 6, Doug
McKnight 5, Tyler Ott 5, Alex Ewings 4, Marshall Morris 4.
BAHS - Chris Collins 9, Jake Toupal 8, Stephen Dennis 8, Brandon Land 6, Marnard Grant 4, Drew
Howerton 2, Kody Waymire 2, Tyson Reed 2, Sam Walton 2.
************************************************************
No headaches for Lady Tigers
BAHS rolls, 64-42, without Calhoon coaching
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:38 PM CST
Ed Calhoon wasn’t around Tuesday night to watch his Broken Arrow High School girls basketball
team play Muskogee.
The third-year coach left school earlier that day with severe headaches.
Had Calhoon attended, the Lady Tigers could have eased his mind with a 64-42 triumph at Tiger
Fieldhouse.
The 2-16 Lady Roughers may have been what the doctored ordered after a bitter loss one night
earlier to Jenks.
Junior Valerie Santiago poured through 22 points and had seven rounds as BAHS improved to 16-
5 with two games left in the regular season.
However, what appeared on the scoreboard as a lopsided victory wasn’t easy as the 22-point
difference might indicate.
Playing with a determination early, the Lady Tigers scored the first eight points and led 23-8 less
than seven minutes into the game.
BAHS, with Santiago netting 11 of her game-total by half, limped into halftime with a 28-20 lead.
At halftime, interim coach Lauren Shoemaker talked to her team.
“She didn’t raise her voice,” Santiago said. “She told us to relax and let loose in the second half.”
The Lady Tigers responded and pulled away in the third quarter with a 21-10 burst which included
Santiago scoring eight of the last 10 points.
“We talked about needing to play better defense and we did,” Santiago said. “We weren’t happy
how we played Monday (against Jenks). We played as a team.”
Shoemaker, who guided Tulsa Central to the Class 5A girls state final in 2005, was pleased with the
second half approach.
“We were more relaxed and were seeing kick outs and floor a lot better,” Shoemaker said. “I told
them to have some fun on the floor.”
Muskogee stayed in striking distance in the first half by hitting 12-of-18 free throws.
“We were fouling too much,” Santiago said. “We knew we had to stop that.”
In the second, the Lady Roughers had only 11 free throws and finished the game 20-of-29.
Broken Arrow bolted to its early lead by hitting its first six field goal attempts, including treys by
Taylor Lewis and Santiago, for a 14-6 cushion with 4:37 showing in the opening quarter.
After that, the Lady Tigers went -4-for-23 the balance of the half.
In the third quarter, BAHS was 7-of-16 from the floor, which included 5-of-10 3-pointers.
Muskogee aided Broken Arrow’s quick start with nine turnovers in the first quarter and had 22 for
the game. The Lady Tigers had eight turnovers at the break and just three in the second half.
Santiago was 6-of-10 from inside the arc and 8-of-17 for total field goals.
Lewis, who had six points in the first half, hit three 3-pointers in the third quarter and had 15 points.
BAHS’s Chelsi Dennis led all rebounders with seven.
BROKEN ARROW 64, MUSKOGEE 42
Muskogee 10 10 10 12-42
Broken Arrow 23 5 21 16-64
MHS - Briasha Billings 11, Salece Davis 9, Jordan Clark 5, Jones 5, Kanessa Anderson 2, Schulyer
Carter 2, Samantha London 2, Tori Venable 2, Tisa Cone1.
BAHS - Valerie Santiago 22, Taylor Lewis 10, Brianna Hopkins 9, Katie Morgan 8, Chelsi Dennis 7,
Manessah Miller 3.
BAHS rolls, 64-42, without Calhoon coaching
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:38 PM CST
Ed Calhoon wasn’t around Tuesday night to watch his Broken Arrow High School girls basketball
team play Muskogee.
The third-year coach left school earlier that day with severe headaches.
Had Calhoon attended, the Lady Tigers could have eased his mind with a 64-42 triumph at Tiger
Fieldhouse.
The 2-16 Lady Roughers may have been what the doctored ordered after a bitter loss one night
earlier to Jenks.
Junior Valerie Santiago poured through 22 points and had seven rounds as BAHS improved to 16-
5 with two games left in the regular season.
However, what appeared on the scoreboard as a lopsided victory wasn’t easy as the 22-point
difference might indicate.
Playing with a determination early, the Lady Tigers scored the first eight points and led 23-8 less
than seven minutes into the game.
BAHS, with Santiago netting 11 of her game-total by half, limped into halftime with a 28-20 lead.
At halftime, interim coach Lauren Shoemaker talked to her team.
“She didn’t raise her voice,” Santiago said. “She told us to relax and let loose in the second half.”
The Lady Tigers responded and pulled away in the third quarter with a 21-10 burst which included
Santiago scoring eight of the last 10 points.
“We talked about needing to play better defense and we did,” Santiago said. “We weren’t happy
how we played Monday (against Jenks). We played as a team.”
Shoemaker, who guided Tulsa Central to the Class 5A girls state final in 2005, was pleased with the
second half approach.
“We were more relaxed and were seeing kick outs and floor a lot better,” Shoemaker said. “I told
them to have some fun on the floor.”
Muskogee stayed in striking distance in the first half by hitting 12-of-18 free throws.
“We were fouling too much,” Santiago said. “We knew we had to stop that.”
In the second, the Lady Roughers had only 11 free throws and finished the game 20-of-29.
Broken Arrow bolted to its early lead by hitting its first six field goal attempts, including treys by
Taylor Lewis and Santiago, for a 14-6 cushion with 4:37 showing in the opening quarter.
After that, the Lady Tigers went -4-for-23 the balance of the half.
In the third quarter, BAHS was 7-of-16 from the floor, which included 5-of-10 3-pointers.
Muskogee aided Broken Arrow’s quick start with nine turnovers in the first quarter and had 22 for
the game. The Lady Tigers had eight turnovers at the break and just three in the second half.
Santiago was 6-of-10 from inside the arc and 8-of-17 for total field goals.
Lewis, who had six points in the first half, hit three 3-pointers in the third quarter and had 15 points.
BAHS’s Chelsi Dennis led all rebounders with seven.
BROKEN ARROW 64, MUSKOGEE 42
Muskogee 10 10 10 12-42
Broken Arrow 23 5 21 16-64
MHS - Briasha Billings 11, Salece Davis 9, Jordan Clark 5, Jones 5, Kanessa Anderson 2, Schulyer
Carter 2, Samantha London 2, Tori Venable 2, Tisa Cone1.
BAHS - Valerie Santiago 22, Taylor Lewis 10, Brianna Hopkins 9, Katie Morgan 8, Chelsi Dennis 7,
Manessah Miller 3.
************************************************************
************************************************************
BAHS-MUSKOGEE GAME CANCELLED
After MHS player collapses in fourth quarter
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:01 PM CST
Muskogee High School point guard Jerome Beasley collapsed in the fourth quarter Tuesday night
during a basketball game at Broken Arrow.
Beasley fell to the floor with 1:46 left in a 48-48 game at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Beasley, a junior, was attended by Broken Arrow High School Certified Athletic Trainer Casey
Paulk in front of the scorer’s table.
An AED was applied but shock treatment was not needed, Paulk said.
Beasley was taken by ambulance to Southcrest Hospital.
“His vital signs were fine and he’s responsive,” MHS assistant coach Bobby Allison told the
Muskogee Phoenix after talking to Beasley’s father, Jerome Beasley.
Young Beasley was being kept overnight for tests, Allison said.
Lori Walton, an LPN, came out of the stands to assist Paulk.
“Thank God for the AED,” said Walton, whose son Sam is a member of the BAHS team.
Walton said Beasley’s “heart rate was starting to come down and he was becoming responsive.”
One Muskogee coach indicated to Muskogee Phoenix sports editor Mike Kays the incident may
have been triggered by an anxiety attack.
“We train for this,” Paulk said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever had to handle this kind of situation.”
Paulk praised the performance of BAHS senior student trainer Corie Hill, who retrieved the AED
from the training room.
“Corie was remarkable,” Paulk said. “She knew exactly what to do.”
BAHS Athletic Director praised the 26-year-old Paulk, who became the Tigers trainer last fall when
Trey Robertson went to Claremore.
“Casey is a young man who handled this situation very, very well,” Ellett said. “We are proud of
him.”
As paramedics arrived, players from both teams circled at mid-court, arm-in-arm, for a prayer.
Beasley was stretched along the sideline in front of scorekeeper Tammy Strickland.
“I heard him tell his Mom ‘I’m scared,” Strickland said. “That’s when I about lost it.”
About 10 minutes after Beasley’s collapsed, it was announced the game had been cancelled.
“It will be like it was never played,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
BAHS – which had lost straight games – had reeled off 17 answered points to tie the game when
Beasley crumpled to the floor.
“There’s more important things than winning or losing basketball games,” Stecker said.
Broken Arrow’s record remains 15-5 with a home game Friday against Lawton High and Saturday
afternoon against Lawton Eisenhower.
After MHS player collapses in fourth quarter
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:01 PM CST
Muskogee High School point guard Jerome Beasley collapsed in the fourth quarter Tuesday night
during a basketball game at Broken Arrow.
Beasley fell to the floor with 1:46 left in a 48-48 game at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Beasley, a junior, was attended by Broken Arrow High School Certified Athletic Trainer Casey
Paulk in front of the scorer’s table.
An AED was applied but shock treatment was not needed, Paulk said.
Beasley was taken by ambulance to Southcrest Hospital.
“His vital signs were fine and he’s responsive,” MHS assistant coach Bobby Allison told the
Muskogee Phoenix after talking to Beasley’s father, Jerome Beasley.
Young Beasley was being kept overnight for tests, Allison said.
Lori Walton, an LPN, came out of the stands to assist Paulk.
“Thank God for the AED,” said Walton, whose son Sam is a member of the BAHS team.
Walton said Beasley’s “heart rate was starting to come down and he was becoming responsive.”
One Muskogee coach indicated to Muskogee Phoenix sports editor Mike Kays the incident may
have been triggered by an anxiety attack.
“We train for this,” Paulk said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever had to handle this kind of situation.”
Paulk praised the performance of BAHS senior student trainer Corie Hill, who retrieved the AED
from the training room.
“Corie was remarkable,” Paulk said. “She knew exactly what to do.”
BAHS Athletic Director praised the 26-year-old Paulk, who became the Tigers trainer last fall when
Trey Robertson went to Claremore.
“Casey is a young man who handled this situation very, very well,” Ellett said. “We are proud of
him.”
As paramedics arrived, players from both teams circled at mid-court, arm-in-arm, for a prayer.
Beasley was stretched along the sideline in front of scorekeeper Tammy Strickland.
“I heard him tell his Mom ‘I’m scared,” Strickland said. “That’s when I about lost it.”
About 10 minutes after Beasley’s collapsed, it was announced the game had been cancelled.
“It will be like it was never played,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
BAHS – which had lost straight games – had reeled off 17 answered points to tie the game when
Beasley crumpled to the floor.
“There’s more important things than winning or losing basketball games,” Stecker said.
Broken Arrow’s record remains 15-5 with a home game Friday against Lawton High and Saturday
afternoon against Lawton Eisenhower.
Lawton muscles its way by BAHS, 70-57
Tigers eye post-season which starts Friday
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Sunday, February 22, 2009 9:26 AM CST
The final third of Broken Arrow High School’s regular season has not been nearly as kind as the
opening two-thirds.
After zooming to a 15-0 start, the sixth-ranked Tigers have hobbled to a 1-6 finish with postseason
play only days away.
Playing their fourth game of the week and second in less than 24 hours, Broken Arrow saw a
halftime tie turn into a 10-point deficit after three quarters on the way to a 70-57 loss to No. 11
Lawton Saturday afternoon at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Craig Foster erupted for 15 of his game-high 26 points in the decisive third quarter to pace the
Wolverines (19-5) in their road victory.
“They played a very good third quarter,” Tiger coach Rusty Stecker said. “We didn’t do a good job
of containing him (Foster). That was the turning point in the game.”
After falling behind 6-0, Broken Arrow (16-6) rallied and led 27-21 with 4:02 to play before halftime
on a basket by Drew Howerton, who finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
But Lawton then went on an 11-1 run, highlighted by three of the Wolverines’ eight 3-pointers in
the game.
Foster, along with Eddie Faamatau and Michael Blevins, canned a trey apiece to help Lawton take
a 32-28 advantage just 59 seconds before halftime.
A pair of free throws from Marnard Grant and a layup off a steal by Chris Collins pulled BAHS into
a 32-32 deadlock at intermission.
Lawton didn’t warm up for the second half since the Wolverines didn’t return to the floor to start the
third quarter until after the 10-minute halftime had ended.
But Foster didn’t need any practice shots.
The 5-10 junior tallied the Wolverines first 10 points of the second half. He also dished off a pair of
assists as Lawton moved in front 46-41 with 1:27 to play in the third quarter.
He capped the period with a drive to the basket and a 3-pointer from the right corner to give
Lawton a 54-44 cushion entering the final quarter.
With the 10-point lead, the visitors decided to slow down the pace to start the fourth period.
“They came out in the four corners to start the fourth quarter,” Stecker said. “Then they ran of 2:
04 on the clock before scoring on that alley oop dunk to put them up by 12.”
The dunk by Will Reinke, a 6-10 senior, set the tone for the final eight minutes.
Another dunk by Reinke, who netted 18 points and snared a game-high 11 rebounds, gave
Lawton a 60-48 cushion with 3:22 remaining.
Eight points from Jake Toupal, who topped the Tigers with 20 points, allowed Broken Arrow to pull
within 62-56 with 1:48 to go.
But when Foster rebounded his own miss on a one-and-one opportunity then connected on a pair
of free throws and a layup, Lawton returned its lead to double digits, 66-56, at the 1:00 mark.
“Lawton has good speed and they are very quick,” Stecker said. “They are also very good
shooters from the free throw line.”
Despite the loss, Stecker thought the Tigers’ effort was not lacking,
“We played well. We did a lot of good things,” he said. “We played hard. I am proud of them.”
The Tigers host a regional Friday, facing Edmond North at 8 p.m. The other first round game pits
Bartlesville against Muskogee.
“We have a super, super-tough draw,” Stecker said. “Edmond North has won five of its last six
games. We want to play well. Physically, I think we are playing well. Mentally, though, we are losing
our focus during parts of games.”
LAWTON 70, BROKEN ARROW 57
Lawton 13 19 22 16-70
Broken Arrow 16 16 12 13-57
LHS — Foster 26, Reinke 18, Blevins 9, Moore 8, Kennard 4, Faamatau 3, Suttles 2.
BAHS — Toupal 20, Howerton 10, Collins 8, St. Dennis 6, Grant 5, Maynard 4, Waymire 2, Reed 1,
Land 1.
Tigers eye post-season which starts Friday
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Sunday, February 22, 2009 9:26 AM CST
The final third of Broken Arrow High School’s regular season has not been nearly as kind as the
opening two-thirds.
After zooming to a 15-0 start, the sixth-ranked Tigers have hobbled to a 1-6 finish with postseason
play only days away.
Playing their fourth game of the week and second in less than 24 hours, Broken Arrow saw a
halftime tie turn into a 10-point deficit after three quarters on the way to a 70-57 loss to No. 11
Lawton Saturday afternoon at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Craig Foster erupted for 15 of his game-high 26 points in the decisive third quarter to pace the
Wolverines (19-5) in their road victory.
“They played a very good third quarter,” Tiger coach Rusty Stecker said. “We didn’t do a good job
of containing him (Foster). That was the turning point in the game.”
After falling behind 6-0, Broken Arrow (16-6) rallied and led 27-21 with 4:02 to play before halftime
on a basket by Drew Howerton, who finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
But Lawton then went on an 11-1 run, highlighted by three of the Wolverines’ eight 3-pointers in
the game.
Foster, along with Eddie Faamatau and Michael Blevins, canned a trey apiece to help Lawton take
a 32-28 advantage just 59 seconds before halftime.
A pair of free throws from Marnard Grant and a layup off a steal by Chris Collins pulled BAHS into
a 32-32 deadlock at intermission.
Lawton didn’t warm up for the second half since the Wolverines didn’t return to the floor to start the
third quarter until after the 10-minute halftime had ended.
But Foster didn’t need any practice shots.
The 5-10 junior tallied the Wolverines first 10 points of the second half. He also dished off a pair of
assists as Lawton moved in front 46-41 with 1:27 to play in the third quarter.
He capped the period with a drive to the basket and a 3-pointer from the right corner to give
Lawton a 54-44 cushion entering the final quarter.
With the 10-point lead, the visitors decided to slow down the pace to start the fourth period.
“They came out in the four corners to start the fourth quarter,” Stecker said. “Then they ran of 2:
04 on the clock before scoring on that alley oop dunk to put them up by 12.”
The dunk by Will Reinke, a 6-10 senior, set the tone for the final eight minutes.
Another dunk by Reinke, who netted 18 points and snared a game-high 11 rebounds, gave
Lawton a 60-48 cushion with 3:22 remaining.
Eight points from Jake Toupal, who topped the Tigers with 20 points, allowed Broken Arrow to pull
within 62-56 with 1:48 to go.
But when Foster rebounded his own miss on a one-and-one opportunity then connected on a pair
of free throws and a layup, Lawton returned its lead to double digits, 66-56, at the 1:00 mark.
“Lawton has good speed and they are very quick,” Stecker said. “They are also very good
shooters from the free throw line.”
Despite the loss, Stecker thought the Tigers’ effort was not lacking,
“We played well. We did a lot of good things,” he said. “We played hard. I am proud of them.”
The Tigers host a regional Friday, facing Edmond North at 8 p.m. The other first round game pits
Bartlesville against Muskogee.
“We have a super, super-tough draw,” Stecker said. “Edmond North has won five of its last six
games. We want to play well. Physically, I think we are playing well. Mentally, though, we are losing
our focus during parts of games.”
LAWTON 70, BROKEN ARROW 57
Lawton 13 19 22 16-70
Broken Arrow 16 16 12 13-57
LHS — Foster 26, Reinke 18, Blevins 9, Moore 8, Kennard 4, Faamatau 3, Suttles 2.
BAHS — Toupal 20, Howerton 10, Collins 8, St. Dennis 6, Grant 5, Maynard 4, Waymire 2, Reed 1,
Land 1.
Lady Tigers close regular season 18-5
BAHS hosts regional beginning Thursday
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 21, 2009 9:54 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School put the finishing touches on a regular season to remember.
Paced by Taylor Lewis’ game-high 24 points, the ninth-ranked Lady Tigers rolled to a 59-51 victory
against No. 14 Lawton Saturday afternoon at Tiger Fieldhouse.
With a sparkling 18-5 record, BAHS hosts a four-team Class 6A regional beginning Thursday.
The Lady Tigers play Choctaw at 8 p.m. in Broken Arrow’s first-time to host a regional since 2002.
In its final tuneup before regional play, BAHS earned a pair of hard-fought wins against Lawton and
Lawton Eisenhower (on Friday).
“It was a tough two-game homestand,” Lady Tiger coach Ed Calhoon said. “Both victories will be
confidence builders for us going into the playoffs.”
After a slow start, a 3-pointer by Lewis midway through the first quarter gave BAHS an 8-5 lead and
the Lady Tigers never trailed the rest of the way.
Chelsi Dennis, who added 10 points, connected on back-to-back baskets before a pair of Lewis
free throws propelled the Lady Tigers to a 14-7 lead after one quarter.
BAHS stretched that advantage to 24-15 on a trey by Katie Morgan with a minute to go before
halftime.
The Lady Tiger defense also forced 10 Lawton turnovers in the first half to help BAHS build a 24-
17 cushion at intermission.
With Lewis tallying 14 of her points in the second half, Broken Arrow kept the Lady Wolverines (15-
8) at bay.
Lawton crept to within four in the third quarter and consecutive 3-pointers from Christina Caddy
and Kendra Suttles brought Lawton within 49-44 with 3:55 to play in the game.
Following a timeout, Broken Arrow slowed things down and a pair of free throws by Lewis with 1:54
to play stemmed the tide and put BAHS in front by seven.
The free throws by Lewis, who was true on 11-of-12 at the charity stripe, ignited a flurry of 10 Lady
Tiger free throws to close the game. For the game, BAHS cashed in on 18-of-21 free throw
opportunities.
Besides Lewis and Dennis’ double-figure scoring, Morgan chipped in eight points, reserve Vanessa
Bledsoe had seven and Shanna Johnson also came off the bench to can a pair of treys to end up
with six points.
"One of our strengths is our balanced scoring across the board,” Calhoon said. “We have put
ourselves in a great position going into the playoffs. From here on, for us, we just need to stay
confident.”
BROKEN ARROW 59, LAWTON 51
Lawton 7 10 13 21-51
Broken Arrow 14 10 15 20-59
LHS – Suttles 16, Caddy 14, Reinke 10, Hinton 7, Wallace 4.
BAHS – Lewis 24, Dennis 10, Morgan 8, Bledsoe 7, Johnson 6, Santiago 3, Hill 1.
BAHS hosts regional beginning Thursday
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 21, 2009 9:54 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School put the finishing touches on a regular season to remember.
Paced by Taylor Lewis’ game-high 24 points, the ninth-ranked Lady Tigers rolled to a 59-51 victory
against No. 14 Lawton Saturday afternoon at Tiger Fieldhouse.
With a sparkling 18-5 record, BAHS hosts a four-team Class 6A regional beginning Thursday.
The Lady Tigers play Choctaw at 8 p.m. in Broken Arrow’s first-time to host a regional since 2002.
In its final tuneup before regional play, BAHS earned a pair of hard-fought wins against Lawton and
Lawton Eisenhower (on Friday).
“It was a tough two-game homestand,” Lady Tiger coach Ed Calhoon said. “Both victories will be
confidence builders for us going into the playoffs.”
After a slow start, a 3-pointer by Lewis midway through the first quarter gave BAHS an 8-5 lead and
the Lady Tigers never trailed the rest of the way.
Chelsi Dennis, who added 10 points, connected on back-to-back baskets before a pair of Lewis
free throws propelled the Lady Tigers to a 14-7 lead after one quarter.
BAHS stretched that advantage to 24-15 on a trey by Katie Morgan with a minute to go before
halftime.
The Lady Tiger defense also forced 10 Lawton turnovers in the first half to help BAHS build a 24-
17 cushion at intermission.
With Lewis tallying 14 of her points in the second half, Broken Arrow kept the Lady Wolverines (15-
8) at bay.
Lawton crept to within four in the third quarter and consecutive 3-pointers from Christina Caddy
and Kendra Suttles brought Lawton within 49-44 with 3:55 to play in the game.
Following a timeout, Broken Arrow slowed things down and a pair of free throws by Lewis with 1:54
to play stemmed the tide and put BAHS in front by seven.
The free throws by Lewis, who was true on 11-of-12 at the charity stripe, ignited a flurry of 10 Lady
Tiger free throws to close the game. For the game, BAHS cashed in on 18-of-21 free throw
opportunities.
Besides Lewis and Dennis’ double-figure scoring, Morgan chipped in eight points, reserve Vanessa
Bledsoe had seven and Shanna Johnson also came off the bench to can a pair of treys to end up
with six points.
"One of our strengths is our balanced scoring across the board,” Calhoon said. “We have put
ourselves in a great position going into the playoffs. From here on, for us, we just need to stay
confident.”
BROKEN ARROW 59, LAWTON 51
Lawton 7 10 13 21-51
Broken Arrow 14 10 15 20-59
LHS – Suttles 16, Caddy 14, Reinke 10, Hinton 7, Wallace 4.
BAHS – Lewis 24, Dennis 10, Morgan 8, Bledsoe 7, Johnson 6, Santiago 3, Hill 1.
************************************************************
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Basketball ends five-game tailspin
Tigers riddle Lawton Eisenhower, 58-50
By TY HARRELL
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 21, 2009 3:32 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School used a huge 18-point second quarter and propelled past a pesky
Lawton Eisenhower, 58-40, Friday on Senior Night at Tiger Fieldhouse.
The victory snapped a five-game losing streak and pushed the Tigers to 16-5.
BAHS closes the regular season Saturday at 2:30 p.m. hosting Lawton High.
Trailing by one at the end of the first quarter, the flood gates opened and 3-pointers were falling
from everywhere.
The Tigers hit 5-of-12 from downtown paced by Jake Toupal who hit three treys in the quarter.
BAHS shot only twice from inside the arc, making one, but the 3-point exhibition gave the Tigers a
27-17 lead at intermission and they would never look back.
During that stretch, the BAHS defense limited the Eagles to just seven shots and five points from
the field.
“There were times we were really sharp and clean and there were other times we were a little
sluggish,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “We gave up some easy open looks and we need to do
a better job at defending. But, we will take a win like that anytime.”
Eisenhower took control early and opened a 5-0 lead within the first minute but BAHS responded
and knotted the score at 5-5 on a bucket by Kody Waymire.
Stephen Dennis then gave the Tigers the lead for the first time when he stole the ball and raced
the length of the court then jammed it home giving the Tigers a 7-5 lead with 4:38 to play in the
opening quarter.
Eisenhower battled back and managed to snag the lead back on a three-pointer by Louis Durant
with three ticks left in the stanza.
But the lead would be short-lived as the Tigers got red hot in the second quarter.
“It was just a great effort by our kids. We were pressing and half court trapping,” Stecker said.
“That takes a lot of energy and our kids just kept going hard.”
The win ended that five game losing streak but Stecker was quick to point out the tough stretch was
not a slump.
“A lot of people say we were in a slide but we just played teams that were better than us,” Stecker
said. “It was a tough stretch where we played teams that are ranked in the top four in the state. We
have always felt good about things and where we are.”
BROKEN ARROW 58, LAWTON EISENHOWER 40
Lawton Eisenhower 10 7 10 13-40
Broken Arrow 9 18 14 17-58
LEHS - Beau Harrington 10, Zach Brown 10, Louis Durant 7, Matt Battle 5, Adrian Woodard 4,
Travis Sperr 2, Dominique Perkins 2.
BA - Jake Toupal 14, Kody Waymire 10, Chris Collins 8, Evan Maynard 7, Drew Howerton 7,
Stephen Dennis 4, Tyson Reed 3, Marnard Grant 3.
Tigers riddle Lawton Eisenhower, 58-50
By TY HARRELL
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 21, 2009 3:32 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School used a huge 18-point second quarter and propelled past a pesky
Lawton Eisenhower, 58-40, Friday on Senior Night at Tiger Fieldhouse.
The victory snapped a five-game losing streak and pushed the Tigers to 16-5.
BAHS closes the regular season Saturday at 2:30 p.m. hosting Lawton High.
Trailing by one at the end of the first quarter, the flood gates opened and 3-pointers were falling
from everywhere.
The Tigers hit 5-of-12 from downtown paced by Jake Toupal who hit three treys in the quarter.
BAHS shot only twice from inside the arc, making one, but the 3-point exhibition gave the Tigers a
27-17 lead at intermission and they would never look back.
During that stretch, the BAHS defense limited the Eagles to just seven shots and five points from
the field.
“There were times we were really sharp and clean and there were other times we were a little
sluggish,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “We gave up some easy open looks and we need to do
a better job at defending. But, we will take a win like that anytime.”
Eisenhower took control early and opened a 5-0 lead within the first minute but BAHS responded
and knotted the score at 5-5 on a bucket by Kody Waymire.
Stephen Dennis then gave the Tigers the lead for the first time when he stole the ball and raced
the length of the court then jammed it home giving the Tigers a 7-5 lead with 4:38 to play in the
opening quarter.
Eisenhower battled back and managed to snag the lead back on a three-pointer by Louis Durant
with three ticks left in the stanza.
But the lead would be short-lived as the Tigers got red hot in the second quarter.
“It was just a great effort by our kids. We were pressing and half court trapping,” Stecker said.
“That takes a lot of energy and our kids just kept going hard.”
The win ended that five game losing streak but Stecker was quick to point out the tough stretch was
not a slump.
“A lot of people say we were in a slide but we just played teams that were better than us,” Stecker
said. “It was a tough stretch where we played teams that are ranked in the top four in the state. We
have always felt good about things and where we are.”
BROKEN ARROW 58, LAWTON EISENHOWER 40
Lawton Eisenhower 10 7 10 13-40
Broken Arrow 9 18 14 17-58
LEHS - Beau Harrington 10, Zach Brown 10, Louis Durant 7, Matt Battle 5, Adrian Woodard 4,
Travis Sperr 2, Dominique Perkins 2.
BA - Jake Toupal 14, Kody Waymire 10, Chris Collins 8, Evan Maynard 7, Drew Howerton 7,
Stephen Dennis 4, Tyson Reed 3, Marnard Grant 3.
Junior takes center stage on Senior Night
Santiago helps BAHS down Lawton Eisenhower, 47-42
By TY HARRELL
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 21, 2009 3:32 PM CST
On a night set to honor Broken Arrow High School seniors,
it was junior Valerie Santiago who stole the show.
Santiago poured in a team-high 14 points in a 47-42 win
over the Lawton Eisenhower Friday night at Tiger
Fieldhouse.
With the score knotted at 30 to start of the final quarter,
Vanessa Bledsoe opened the quarter with two free throws before Santiago went coast to coast off
a steal to give the Lady Tigers a 34-30 lead.
Santiago then followed with a big 3-pointer with 4:31 to
play to extend BAHS’s lead to 39-31.
She backed up her strong court play by going 4-for-5 at
the free throw line in the final 30 seconds to secure the
win.
“I thought we did a great job of keeping our composure,”
said BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said. “Everything we
worked on in practice was executed well. Defensively we
did a good job keeping them out of the lane. We did a
darn good job overall.
“We knew how athletic (Lawton) is and we did a good job
handling that.”
Lawton grabbed an 11-5 lead with 2:37 to play in the first quarter but a 3-pointer by Katie Morgan
and two free throws by Santiago narrowed the Lawton Ike lead to one, 11-10.
Lawton’s Shayla Lassien nailed a 3-pointer to pad the Lady Eagles lead before BAHS’s Bledsoe hit
a bucket with one minute left to trim the Lawton lead to 14-12 at the end of the first.
BAHS started the second stanza with a seven point unanswered run to take a 19-14 lead but a six
point flurry by the Lady Eagles knotted the score at 20 with 3:50 before half.
Bledsoe gave the lead back to the Lady Tigers when she snagged an offensive board and put it
back in to give BAHS a 22-20 lead at the intermission.
“We just did a good job of everyone playing their role and everybody stepping up and doing what
needed to be done,” Calhoon said.
BAHS closes out the regular season Saturday hosting Lawton High at 1:30 p.m.
BROKEN ARROW 47, LAWTON EISENHOWER 42
Lawton Eisenhower 14 6 10 12-42
Broken Arrow 12 10 8 17-47
EHS - Tita Simmons 9, Shayla Lassien 9, Joyce Kenon 7, Bridgette Young 7, Tiffany Hall 6,
Kiersten Johnson 6, Brittany Hamilton 3, Skylar Bunch 1.
BAHS – Valerie Santiago 14, Vanessa Bledsoe 11, Chelsea Dennis 7, Katie Morgan 6, Taylor
Lewis 6, Hill 3.
Santiago helps BAHS down Lawton Eisenhower, 47-42
By TY HARRELL
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 21, 2009 3:32 PM CST
On a night set to honor Broken Arrow High School seniors,
it was junior Valerie Santiago who stole the show.
Santiago poured in a team-high 14 points in a 47-42 win
over the Lawton Eisenhower Friday night at Tiger
Fieldhouse.
With the score knotted at 30 to start of the final quarter,
Vanessa Bledsoe opened the quarter with two free throws before Santiago went coast to coast off
a steal to give the Lady Tigers a 34-30 lead.
Santiago then followed with a big 3-pointer with 4:31 to
play to extend BAHS’s lead to 39-31.
She backed up her strong court play by going 4-for-5 at
the free throw line in the final 30 seconds to secure the
win.
“I thought we did a great job of keeping our composure,”
said BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said. “Everything we
worked on in practice was executed well. Defensively we
did a good job keeping them out of the lane. We did a
darn good job overall.
“We knew how athletic (Lawton) is and we did a good job
handling that.”
Lawton grabbed an 11-5 lead with 2:37 to play in the first quarter but a 3-pointer by Katie Morgan
and two free throws by Santiago narrowed the Lawton Ike lead to one, 11-10.
Lawton’s Shayla Lassien nailed a 3-pointer to pad the Lady Eagles lead before BAHS’s Bledsoe hit
a bucket with one minute left to trim the Lawton lead to 14-12 at the end of the first.
BAHS started the second stanza with a seven point unanswered run to take a 19-14 lead but a six
point flurry by the Lady Eagles knotted the score at 20 with 3:50 before half.
Bledsoe gave the lead back to the Lady Tigers when she snagged an offensive board and put it
back in to give BAHS a 22-20 lead at the intermission.
“We just did a good job of everyone playing their role and everybody stepping up and doing what
needed to be done,” Calhoon said.
BAHS closes out the regular season Saturday hosting Lawton High at 1:30 p.m.
BROKEN ARROW 47, LAWTON EISENHOWER 42
Lawton Eisenhower 14 6 10 12-42
Broken Arrow 12 10 8 17-47
EHS - Tita Simmons 9, Shayla Lassien 9, Joyce Kenon 7, Bridgette Young 7, Tiffany Hall 6,
Kiersten Johnson 6, Brittany Hamilton 3, Skylar Bunch 1.
BAHS – Valerie Santiago 14, Vanessa Bledsoe 11, Chelsea Dennis 7, Katie Morgan 6, Taylor
Lewis 6, Hill 3.
IN THE LIMELIGHT — Junior Valerie
Santiago (12) was a key factor in
Broken Arrow High School's 47-42
victory over Lawton Friday on Senior
Night at BAHS. JIM FUNK/FOR THE
LEDGER
Santiago (12) was a key factor in
Broken Arrow High School's 47-42
victory over Lawton Friday on Senior
Night at BAHS. JIM FUNK/FOR THE
LEDGER
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************************************************************
Lady Tigers set to host regional
BAHS hosts Choctaw Thursday
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
douqq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 10:07 AM CST
Girls basketball at Broken Arrow High School took a quantum leap forward this season.
Going from only 10 wins the last two years to 18-5 this season should be award-winning.
And, for the first time since 2002, the Lady Tigers are hosting a Class 6A regional tournament.
That’s all fine and good, said BAHS senior Taylor Lewis.
What Lewis – and coach Ed Calhoon – don’t want, nor anticipate, is having this season wasted in
one game.
When Broken Arrow hosts Choctaw Thursday at 8 p.m. at Tiger Fieldhouse, the loser’s season is
over.
The first round game pits Sand Springs against Sapulpa at 6:30 p.m. Opening night winners play
Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Lewis, a four-year starter, has seen the BAHS program from the bottom up.
“We don’t want to lose all we’ve accomplished,” Lewis said. “We need to be relaxed, have fun and
play with confidence.”
Choctaw is 9-13 but Calhoon said his club doesn’t have a luxury to looking down the road.
“We’re going to play a good team that can get physical,” Calhoon said. “We’d better be ready to
play.”
Lewis, averaging 17 points a game, has been BAHS’s leading scorer.
In the last two months, Lewis – whose been the target of aggressive defenses – has gotten much-
deserved relief.
Junior Valerie Santiago and sophomore Chelsi Dennis have blossomed offensively. Dennis
averaging 11 points and Santiago almost 10 while senior Vanessa Bledsoe scores seven a game.
Much of the trio’s success is tied to Lewis, who averages 5.5 assists a game.
“With how those three have progressed, I’ve told Taylor she can now be the point guard,”
Calhoon said. “Now, we can take what defenses give us.”
Calhoon, in his third year, said Broken Arrow being awarded a regional site by the Oklahoma
Secondary Schools Activities Association “a bit step for our program.”
BAHS now “is a top eight” program.
He doesn’t want the club’s new heighth to have an adverse effect.
“What will be important,” Calhoon said, “is we stay calm, stay focused and be poised.”
Broken Arrow last hosted a regional in 2002 and reached the state tournament that season, for a
sixth straight year.
Through 2008, the Lady Tigers were 28-65 and never got past the first round.
•
CLASS 6A GIRLS BASKETBALL
East Regional
At Broken Arrow High School
Thursday • First Round
6:30 p.m. - Sapulpa vs. Sand Springs (loser eliminated)
8 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Choctaw (loser eliminated)
Saturday • Championship
1:30 p.m. - Sapulpa-Sand Springs winner vs. Broken Arrow-Choctaw winner (Both teams advance
to area)
— — —
Other Class 6A East Regional Sites
At Union: UHS vs. Stillwater; Owasso vs. Yukon.
At Tulsa Memorial: MHS vs. Bartlesville; Jenks vs. East Central.
At Edmond North: ENHS vs. Muskogee; Enid vs. Ponca City.
BAHS hosts Choctaw Thursday
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
douqq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 10:07 AM CST
Girls basketball at Broken Arrow High School took a quantum leap forward this season.
Going from only 10 wins the last two years to 18-5 this season should be award-winning.
And, for the first time since 2002, the Lady Tigers are hosting a Class 6A regional tournament.
That’s all fine and good, said BAHS senior Taylor Lewis.
What Lewis – and coach Ed Calhoon – don’t want, nor anticipate, is having this season wasted in
one game.
When Broken Arrow hosts Choctaw Thursday at 8 p.m. at Tiger Fieldhouse, the loser’s season is
over.
The first round game pits Sand Springs against Sapulpa at 6:30 p.m. Opening night winners play
Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Lewis, a four-year starter, has seen the BAHS program from the bottom up.
“We don’t want to lose all we’ve accomplished,” Lewis said. “We need to be relaxed, have fun and
play with confidence.”
Choctaw is 9-13 but Calhoon said his club doesn’t have a luxury to looking down the road.
“We’re going to play a good team that can get physical,” Calhoon said. “We’d better be ready to
play.”
Lewis, averaging 17 points a game, has been BAHS’s leading scorer.
In the last two months, Lewis – whose been the target of aggressive defenses – has gotten much-
deserved relief.
Junior Valerie Santiago and sophomore Chelsi Dennis have blossomed offensively. Dennis
averaging 11 points and Santiago almost 10 while senior Vanessa Bledsoe scores seven a game.
Much of the trio’s success is tied to Lewis, who averages 5.5 assists a game.
“With how those three have progressed, I’ve told Taylor she can now be the point guard,”
Calhoon said. “Now, we can take what defenses give us.”
Calhoon, in his third year, said Broken Arrow being awarded a regional site by the Oklahoma
Secondary Schools Activities Association “a bit step for our program.”
BAHS now “is a top eight” program.
He doesn’t want the club’s new heighth to have an adverse effect.
“What will be important,” Calhoon said, “is we stay calm, stay focused and be poised.”
Broken Arrow last hosted a regional in 2002 and reached the state tournament that season, for a
sixth straight year.
Through 2008, the Lady Tigers were 28-65 and never got past the first round.
•
CLASS 6A GIRLS BASKETBALL
East Regional
At Broken Arrow High School
Thursday • First Round
6:30 p.m. - Sapulpa vs. Sand Springs (loser eliminated)
8 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Choctaw (loser eliminated)
Saturday • Championship
1:30 p.m. - Sapulpa-Sand Springs winner vs. Broken Arrow-Choctaw winner (Both teams advance
to area)
— — —
Other Class 6A East Regional Sites
At Union: UHS vs. Stillwater; Owasso vs. Yukon.
At Tulsa Memorial: MHS vs. Bartlesville; Jenks vs. East Central.
At Edmond North: ENHS vs. Muskogee; Enid vs. Ponca City.
Edmond North tall challenge for BAHS
When Tigers host regional Friday
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 10:10 AM CST
Basketball coaches often talk about match-ups.
Broken Arrow High School coach Rusty Stecker might want to consider a new definition – size-ups.
In the last two weeks, the Tigers’ biggest nemesis – while losing six of their last seven – has been
a vertical challenge.
Stecker said the Tigers “haven’t been in a slump ... we’ve just played better teams, which have
been bigger.”
That factor doesn’t change for BAHS Friday when the Tigers host Edmond North at 8 p.m. at
Tiger Fieldhouse in a first round game of the Class 6A regional.
The Huskies, who own a deceiving 11-11 record, will have a definite size advantage.
Edmond North has 6-9 Eric Randall, who averages nearly 23 points a game and has been a
major reason the Huskies won five of their last six regular season games.
BAHS, after winning its first 15 games, has lost six of its last seven.
In most cases, an opponent’s inside strength has been the difference.
On Saturday, Lawton’s Will Reinke – a 6-10 post – scored 23 points in a 70-57 victory over the
Tigers.
Broken Arrow’s tallest starter is 6-4 senior Kody Waymire, who is pencil-thin.
“We don’t have that size and it’s hard to stop that kind of inside game,” Stecker said. “That doesn’
t mean our kids haven’t worked hard.”
Edmond North, Stecker said, has “put it together” the last two weeks since regional criteria was
submitted Feb. 7.
“They’ve had kids out for different reasons at different times. Randall missed about three games.
Take his 23 points away and that’d hurt any team,” Stecker said. “Now, they’ve got everybody
back and they are on a roll. In my opinion, Edmond North is the best 13th-seed I’ve ever seen.”
In the Tigers’ six losses, its opponents have a compiled 68-20 record, including No. 1 Jenks (22-
1) and No. 8 Lawton (19-4).
“We got to the part of the schedule where teams have been better than us,” Stecker said. “Those
teams have been extremely good.”
Junior Jake Toupal leads BAHS in scoring with a 15.1 average, the only Tiger in double figures.
Next is Waymire (6.9) and Marnard Grant (6.3).
In the last three weeks, BAHS has struggled with 3-point shooting and the team average has
dipped to 28 percent (84-of-303).
Despite being out-sized, the Tigers have balanced rebounding, led by Waymire at 5.0 per game
followed by Drew Howerton (3.9), Toupal (3.8) and Seth Dennis (3.5).
•
CLASS 6A BOYS BASKETBALL
East Regional at Broken Arrow High School
Friday • First Round
6:30 p.m. - Muskogee vs. Bartlesville (loser eliminated)
8 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Edmond North (loser eliminated)
Saturday • Championship
7 p.m. - Muskogee-Bartlesville winner vs. Broken Arrow-Edmond North winner (both teams
advance to area)
— — —
Other Class 6A Regionals
At Jenks: JHS vs. Yukon; Choctaw vs. Ponca City.
At Union: UHS vs. Sapulpa; Enid vs. Stillwater.
At Tulsa Memorial: MHS vs. Sand Springs; Owasso vs. East Central.
When Tigers host regional Friday
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 10:10 AM CST
Basketball coaches often talk about match-ups.
Broken Arrow High School coach Rusty Stecker might want to consider a new definition – size-ups.
In the last two weeks, the Tigers’ biggest nemesis – while losing six of their last seven – has been
a vertical challenge.
Stecker said the Tigers “haven’t been in a slump ... we’ve just played better teams, which have
been bigger.”
That factor doesn’t change for BAHS Friday when the Tigers host Edmond North at 8 p.m. at
Tiger Fieldhouse in a first round game of the Class 6A regional.
The Huskies, who own a deceiving 11-11 record, will have a definite size advantage.
Edmond North has 6-9 Eric Randall, who averages nearly 23 points a game and has been a
major reason the Huskies won five of their last six regular season games.
BAHS, after winning its first 15 games, has lost six of its last seven.
In most cases, an opponent’s inside strength has been the difference.
On Saturday, Lawton’s Will Reinke – a 6-10 post – scored 23 points in a 70-57 victory over the
Tigers.
Broken Arrow’s tallest starter is 6-4 senior Kody Waymire, who is pencil-thin.
“We don’t have that size and it’s hard to stop that kind of inside game,” Stecker said. “That doesn’
t mean our kids haven’t worked hard.”
Edmond North, Stecker said, has “put it together” the last two weeks since regional criteria was
submitted Feb. 7.
“They’ve had kids out for different reasons at different times. Randall missed about three games.
Take his 23 points away and that’d hurt any team,” Stecker said. “Now, they’ve got everybody
back and they are on a roll. In my opinion, Edmond North is the best 13th-seed I’ve ever seen.”
In the Tigers’ six losses, its opponents have a compiled 68-20 record, including No. 1 Jenks (22-
1) and No. 8 Lawton (19-4).
“We got to the part of the schedule where teams have been better than us,” Stecker said. “Those
teams have been extremely good.”
Junior Jake Toupal leads BAHS in scoring with a 15.1 average, the only Tiger in double figures.
Next is Waymire (6.9) and Marnard Grant (6.3).
In the last three weeks, BAHS has struggled with 3-point shooting and the team average has
dipped to 28 percent (84-of-303).
Despite being out-sized, the Tigers have balanced rebounding, led by Waymire at 5.0 per game
followed by Drew Howerton (3.9), Toupal (3.8) and Seth Dennis (3.5).
•
CLASS 6A BOYS BASKETBALL
East Regional at Broken Arrow High School
Friday • First Round
6:30 p.m. - Muskogee vs. Bartlesville (loser eliminated)
8 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Edmond North (loser eliminated)
Saturday • Championship
7 p.m. - Muskogee-Bartlesville winner vs. Broken Arrow-Edmond North winner (both teams
advance to area)
— — —
Other Class 6A Regionals
At Jenks: JHS vs. Yukon; Choctaw vs. Ponca City.
At Union: UHS vs. Sapulpa; Enid vs. Stillwater.
At Tulsa Memorial: MHS vs. Sand Springs; Owasso vs. East Central.
************************************************************
************************************************************
Lady Tigers win regional opener
Host Sand Springs Saturday for title
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, February 26, 2009 11:10 PM CST
Choctaw High School targeted its defense scheme
toward Taylor Lewis.
On paper Thursday night, it worked. The Broken
Arrow senior scored 11 points, six below her season
average.
But that couldn’t stop BAHS.
Sophomore Chelsi Dennis and junior Valerie
Santiago combined for 31 points as the Lady Tigers
posted a 56-36 victory in the first round of the
Class 6A playoffs at Tiger Fieldhouse.
It was a “milestone victory,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon
said.
This was Broken Arrow’s first post-season win since
2002 after six straight first-round defeats.
It advances the Lady Tigers to Saturday’s 1:30 p.m.
regional title game against Sand Springs, a 57-55
upset victor over Sapulpa.
No matter Saturday’s outcome, Broken Arrow
(19-5) is guaranteed a berth in an area tournament
March 5.
Choctaw’s game plan – throwing a box-and-1
defense around Taylor – worked for the first quarter
and half.
The Lady Jackets, whose season ended at 9-14, had Lewis scoreless and had played BAHS even
at 13-13.
“Those things will slow us down,” Calhoon said. “But, it didn’t stop us.”
Santiago and Dennis combined to score seven of 10 unanswered points –five by Santiago – to
give the Lady Tigers a 23-13 lead at halftime.
It was the breathing room BAHS needed.
“After that,” Santiago said, “we relaxed started having fun.”
Dennis, who had a game-high 18 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, scored on a turnaround
jumper to open the second half.
Over the next four minutes, Dennis scored seven more points and the Lady Tiger enjoyed a 37-
17 lead.
In that run, Lewis got her first basket on putback two minutes into the third quarter.
“That No. 15 (Dennis) is a stud,” Choctaw coach Dandy Peeler said. “I don’t know how many times
she took it coast-to-coast.”
Dennis and Santiago said BAHS battled nerves at the outset.
“We were a little uptight when the game started,” Dennis said.
Santiago had nine of 11 points in the first half, including three 3-pointers. She was 3-of-7
shooting treys, all in the first half.
“We finally started hitting our shots,” Santiago said. “I finally relaxed and kept shooting.”
Santiago was 3-of-7 shooting treys, all in the first half
Dennis credited Lewis’ play, which included eight rebounds.
“Taylor is amazing,” Dennis said. “She keeps playing, no matter what.”
Dennis split her rebounds, seven in each half.
“I didn’t even know that,” Dennis said, when told of her rebound tally. “I just kept doing what I was
supposed to.”
Senior Vanessa Bledsoe and sophomore Shanna Johnson had Broken Arrow’s 14 other points.
Johnson came off the bench to hit two 3-pointers in the first half. Her second trey came with 13
seconds before intermission that pushed BAHS to the 10-point halftime lead.
Ashlie Fauchier and Janelle Wright each had 12 points for Choctaw, which was 11-of-49 shooting,
including 4-of-17 from 3-point range.
Layton Hurley had nine rebounds and Madison Billings seven for the Lady Jackets.
BAHS finished the game 19-of-50 from the field (5-of-19 treys) and 13-of-18 free throws.
BROKEN ARROW 56, CHOCTAW 36
Choctaw 6 7 12 11-36
Broken Arrow 10 13 13 17-56
CHS - Ashlie Fauchier 12, Janelle Wright 12, Madison Billings 6, Layton Hurley 3, Krystin Byrd 2,
Dasha Thomas 1.
BA - Chelsi Dennis 18, Valerie Santiago 13, Taylor Lewis 11, Vanessa Bledsoe 8, Shanna
Johnson 6.
Host Sand Springs Saturday for title
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, February 26, 2009 11:10 PM CST
Choctaw High School targeted its defense scheme
toward Taylor Lewis.
On paper Thursday night, it worked. The Broken
Arrow senior scored 11 points, six below her season
average.
But that couldn’t stop BAHS.
Sophomore Chelsi Dennis and junior Valerie
Santiago combined for 31 points as the Lady Tigers
posted a 56-36 victory in the first round of the
Class 6A playoffs at Tiger Fieldhouse.
It was a “milestone victory,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon
said.
This was Broken Arrow’s first post-season win since
2002 after six straight first-round defeats.
It advances the Lady Tigers to Saturday’s 1:30 p.m.
regional title game against Sand Springs, a 57-55
upset victor over Sapulpa.
No matter Saturday’s outcome, Broken Arrow
(19-5) is guaranteed a berth in an area tournament
March 5.
Choctaw’s game plan – throwing a box-and-1
defense around Taylor – worked for the first quarter
and half.
The Lady Jackets, whose season ended at 9-14, had Lewis scoreless and had played BAHS even
at 13-13.
“Those things will slow us down,” Calhoon said. “But, it didn’t stop us.”
Santiago and Dennis combined to score seven of 10 unanswered points –five by Santiago – to
give the Lady Tigers a 23-13 lead at halftime.
It was the breathing room BAHS needed.
“After that,” Santiago said, “we relaxed started having fun.”
Dennis, who had a game-high 18 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, scored on a turnaround
jumper to open the second half.
Over the next four minutes, Dennis scored seven more points and the Lady Tiger enjoyed a 37-
17 lead.
In that run, Lewis got her first basket on putback two minutes into the third quarter.
“That No. 15 (Dennis) is a stud,” Choctaw coach Dandy Peeler said. “I don’t know how many times
she took it coast-to-coast.”
Dennis and Santiago said BAHS battled nerves at the outset.
“We were a little uptight when the game started,” Dennis said.
Santiago had nine of 11 points in the first half, including three 3-pointers. She was 3-of-7
shooting treys, all in the first half.
“We finally started hitting our shots,” Santiago said. “I finally relaxed and kept shooting.”
Santiago was 3-of-7 shooting treys, all in the first half
Dennis credited Lewis’ play, which included eight rebounds.
“Taylor is amazing,” Dennis said. “She keeps playing, no matter what.”
Dennis split her rebounds, seven in each half.
“I didn’t even know that,” Dennis said, when told of her rebound tally. “I just kept doing what I was
supposed to.”
Senior Vanessa Bledsoe and sophomore Shanna Johnson had Broken Arrow’s 14 other points.
Johnson came off the bench to hit two 3-pointers in the first half. Her second trey came with 13
seconds before intermission that pushed BAHS to the 10-point halftime lead.
Ashlie Fauchier and Janelle Wright each had 12 points for Choctaw, which was 11-of-49 shooting,
including 4-of-17 from 3-point range.
Layton Hurley had nine rebounds and Madison Billings seven for the Lady Jackets.
BAHS finished the game 19-of-50 from the field (5-of-19 treys) and 13-of-18 free throws.
BROKEN ARROW 56, CHOCTAW 36
Choctaw 6 7 12 11-36
Broken Arrow 10 13 13 17-56
CHS - Ashlie Fauchier 12, Janelle Wright 12, Madison Billings 6, Layton Hurley 3, Krystin Byrd 2,
Dasha Thomas 1.
BA - Chelsi Dennis 18, Valerie Santiago 13, Taylor Lewis 11, Vanessa Bledsoe 8, Shanna
Johnson 6.
IN CONTROL — Broken Arrow High
School's Chelsi Dennis (15) protects her
dribble from Choctaw's Layton Hurley.
Dennis scored 18 points and had 14
rebounds in the Lady Tigers' 56-36
victory Thursday in a Class 6A regional at
Tiger Fieldhouse. BAHS hosts Sand
Springs Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the
regional final.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
School's Chelsi Dennis (15) protects her
dribble from Choctaw's Layton Hurley.
Dennis scored 18 points and had 14
rebounds in the Lady Tigers' 56-36
victory Thursday in a Class 6A regional at
Tiger Fieldhouse. BAHS hosts Sand
Springs Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the
regional final.
JIM FUNK/FOR THE BA LEDGER
************************************************************
Edmond North ends BAHS season
Tigers finish 16-7
By TY HARRELL
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 28, 2009 7:10 AM CST
Broken Arrow High School gave it everything it had. But at the end of 32 minutes, Edmond North
closed out the Tigers season with a 54-39 Class 6A regional defeat at Tiger Fieldhouse Friday
night.
“We knew coming in they were a very, very good team,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “We
had a long time to prepare for them but we just couldn’t get into any rhythm.”
BAHS finished the season 16-7 but lost seven of its last eight.
The Tigers hung with EMHS, shooting a respectable 41 percent from the floor. But the Huskies,
with 6-9 senior Eric Randall and a 58 percent shooting percentage, proved just too much.
“The officiating was pretty tight and that really hurt us because we could not push around on
their big man,” Stecker said. “We got into foul trouble quickly and that caused us a lot of
problems.”
The Tigers spotted the Huskies a 4-0 lead before rallying for eight unanswered points to take an
8-4 lead with 2:57 to play in the first quarter.
North responded with an eight point blast of its own for a 12-8 advantage and the Tigers would
never sniff the lead again.
The Huskies flexed their muscle in the second quarter, outscoring the Tigers, 20-9, led by 10
points form Mike Henzel, who led all scorers with 20 points. The spurt gave North a comfortable
32-19 lead at intermission.
Henzel added to the Tiger misery in the third quarter, pouring in five of the Edmond seven points
while BAHS struggled against a stout defense that pressured them each possession. That
helped the Huskies to a 39-24 lead after the third quarter.
North put the game away by hitting 11-of-14 free throws in the fourth quarter.
“We knew going we would need them to miss shots from the perimeter and they just didn’t do
that.” Stecker said. “They played extremely. They are a great basketball team.
“These kids continued to work and play hard. It was one of those nights where it wasn’t meant to
be for us.”
Jake Toupal paced the Tiger offense as he contributed 19 points in the losing effort while
Marnard Grant pitched in eight. Evan Maynard added three points while Tyson Reed, Brandon
Land, Drew Howerton and Steven Hopper each contributed two points
EDMOND NORTH 54, BROKEN ARROW 39
Edmond North 12 20 7 15-54
Broken Arrow 10 9 5 15-39
ENHS - Mike Henzel 20; Eric Randall 17; Kris Sponsler 14; Greg Parker 2
BAHS - Jake Toupal 19; Marnard Grant 8;Evan Maynard 3; Tyson Reed 2; Brandon Land 2;
Drew Howerton 2; Steven Hopper 2.
Tigers finish 16-7
By TY HARRELL
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 28, 2009 7:10 AM CST
Broken Arrow High School gave it everything it had. But at the end of 32 minutes, Edmond North
closed out the Tigers season with a 54-39 Class 6A regional defeat at Tiger Fieldhouse Friday
night.
“We knew coming in they were a very, very good team,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “We
had a long time to prepare for them but we just couldn’t get into any rhythm.”
BAHS finished the season 16-7 but lost seven of its last eight.
The Tigers hung with EMHS, shooting a respectable 41 percent from the floor. But the Huskies,
with 6-9 senior Eric Randall and a 58 percent shooting percentage, proved just too much.
“The officiating was pretty tight and that really hurt us because we could not push around on
their big man,” Stecker said. “We got into foul trouble quickly and that caused us a lot of
problems.”
The Tigers spotted the Huskies a 4-0 lead before rallying for eight unanswered points to take an
8-4 lead with 2:57 to play in the first quarter.
North responded with an eight point blast of its own for a 12-8 advantage and the Tigers would
never sniff the lead again.
The Huskies flexed their muscle in the second quarter, outscoring the Tigers, 20-9, led by 10
points form Mike Henzel, who led all scorers with 20 points. The spurt gave North a comfortable
32-19 lead at intermission.
Henzel added to the Tiger misery in the third quarter, pouring in five of the Edmond seven points
while BAHS struggled against a stout defense that pressured them each possession. That
helped the Huskies to a 39-24 lead after the third quarter.
North put the game away by hitting 11-of-14 free throws in the fourth quarter.
“We knew going we would need them to miss shots from the perimeter and they just didn’t do
that.” Stecker said. “They played extremely. They are a great basketball team.
“These kids continued to work and play hard. It was one of those nights where it wasn’t meant to
be for us.”
Jake Toupal paced the Tiger offense as he contributed 19 points in the losing effort while
Marnard Grant pitched in eight. Evan Maynard added three points while Tyson Reed, Brandon
Land, Drew Howerton and Steven Hopper each contributed two points
EDMOND NORTH 54, BROKEN ARROW 39
Edmond North 12 20 7 15-54
Broken Arrow 10 9 5 15-39
ENHS - Mike Henzel 20; Eric Randall 17; Kris Sponsler 14; Greg Parker 2
BAHS - Jake Toupal 19; Marnard Grant 8;Evan Maynard 3; Tyson Reed 2; Brandon Land 2;
Drew Howerton 2; Steven Hopper 2.
************************************************************
Lady Tigers capture regional title
BAHS (20-5)advance to area tournament
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 28, 2009 5:57 PM CST
Normally, not scoring a field goal during an entire quarter - particularly in a regional final - is
cause for concern for a basketball team.
But when the team owns a 25-point advantage entering the quarter, the margin of error is much
greater.
Broken Arrow High School rolled to a 34-9 halftime cushion, then did not manage a field goal in
the third quarter, but had plenty of points in reserve to cruise to a 53-32 victory against Sand
Springs Saturday in a Class 6A regional championship at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Taylor Lewis and Valerie Santiago combined for 38 points and teamed up to connect on 5-of-7
3-pointers to pace Broken Arrow (20-5) to the winners’ bracket of next week’s area tournament.
The No. 10 Lady Tigers will square off Thursday against the winner of the Owasso-Union
regional championship with a berth in the Class 6A state tournament on the line.
Broken Arrow will be trying to make it to state for the first time since the 2002 campaign.
Broken Arrow took its commanding halftime advantage thanks to outscoring the unranked
Sandites (10-13) by a 22-4 margin in the second quarter.
Leading 12-5 after one quarter, the Lady Tigers opened the second period in what head coach
Ed Calhoon called the “full court man-to-man fly switch” press.
The stifling press created 11 Sandite turnovers in the period. Broken Arrow capitalized by
notching 17 unanswered points while holding Sand Springs scoreless for a 7:53 stretch of the
first half to move in front 27-5.
“Our defensive pressure was the key,” Calhoon said. “We don’t run that press much. But Sand
Springs wasn’t ready to handle it. That was the difference in the game.”
Lewis, who paced all scorers with 23 points, tallied nine points and dished out two assists in the
big run. The senior guard had 17 points by halftime.
Santiago chipped in five points and also had two assists in the pivotal surge. She logged 10 of
her 15 points in the opening half.
“We needed to come out and kill them from the start of the game,” said Santiago, a junior
guard. “They couldn’t handle our pressure. We ran our press right. We have been working on
the press since the first of the year.”
The Lady Tigers then stumbled coming out after halftime and did not connect on a field goal
attempt in the third quarter.
“We started celebrating there in the third quarter,” Calhoon said. “We came out flat to start the
second half. But we regained our composure.”
All seven BAHS points in the period came from the free throw line with Lewis and Santiago
nailing a pair each.
Broken Arrow finally ended its cold spell from the field - totaling 9:57 in duration dating back to
the first half - in the first of two straight baskets by Chelsea Dennis with 7:07 to play in the fourth
quarter.
Dennis, a sophomore forward, added eight points and six rebounds for BAHS.
Santiago then tacked on a pair of free throws to give the Lady Tigers a 47-24 lead with 5:40 to
play and BAHS was well on its way to its first regional title in seven years.
“This is the greatest feeling ever,” Santiago said. “Everybody thought that Sapulpa (who Sand
Springs upset in the opening round on Thursday) was going to win the regional. We are so
much better than we were as freshmen. Going 20-5 is a big turnaround for us.”
BAHS claimed a total of just 10 wins combined over the last two seasons before the Lady Tigers’
breakout effort this year.
BROKEN ARROW 53, SAND SPRINGS 32
Sand Springs 5 4 13 10-32
Broken Arrow 12 22 7 12-53
Sand Springs: Tate 12, Hampton 5, Harris 5, Bales 5, Schwager 2, Williams 2.
Broken Arrow: Lewis 23, Santiago 15, Dennis 8, Johnson 5, Bledsoe 1, Thesenvitz 1.
BAHS (20-5)advance to area tournament
By DUANE DaPRON
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, February 28, 2009 5:57 PM CST
Normally, not scoring a field goal during an entire quarter - particularly in a regional final - is
cause for concern for a basketball team.
But when the team owns a 25-point advantage entering the quarter, the margin of error is much
greater.
Broken Arrow High School rolled to a 34-9 halftime cushion, then did not manage a field goal in
the third quarter, but had plenty of points in reserve to cruise to a 53-32 victory against Sand
Springs Saturday in a Class 6A regional championship at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Taylor Lewis and Valerie Santiago combined for 38 points and teamed up to connect on 5-of-7
3-pointers to pace Broken Arrow (20-5) to the winners’ bracket of next week’s area tournament.
The No. 10 Lady Tigers will square off Thursday against the winner of the Owasso-Union
regional championship with a berth in the Class 6A state tournament on the line.
Broken Arrow will be trying to make it to state for the first time since the 2002 campaign.
Broken Arrow took its commanding halftime advantage thanks to outscoring the unranked
Sandites (10-13) by a 22-4 margin in the second quarter.
Leading 12-5 after one quarter, the Lady Tigers opened the second period in what head coach
Ed Calhoon called the “full court man-to-man fly switch” press.
The stifling press created 11 Sandite turnovers in the period. Broken Arrow capitalized by
notching 17 unanswered points while holding Sand Springs scoreless for a 7:53 stretch of the
first half to move in front 27-5.
“Our defensive pressure was the key,” Calhoon said. “We don’t run that press much. But Sand
Springs wasn’t ready to handle it. That was the difference in the game.”
Lewis, who paced all scorers with 23 points, tallied nine points and dished out two assists in the
big run. The senior guard had 17 points by halftime.
Santiago chipped in five points and also had two assists in the pivotal surge. She logged 10 of
her 15 points in the opening half.
“We needed to come out and kill them from the start of the game,” said Santiago, a junior
guard. “They couldn’t handle our pressure. We ran our press right. We have been working on
the press since the first of the year.”
The Lady Tigers then stumbled coming out after halftime and did not connect on a field goal
attempt in the third quarter.
“We started celebrating there in the third quarter,” Calhoon said. “We came out flat to start the
second half. But we regained our composure.”
All seven BAHS points in the period came from the free throw line with Lewis and Santiago
nailing a pair each.
Broken Arrow finally ended its cold spell from the field - totaling 9:57 in duration dating back to
the first half - in the first of two straight baskets by Chelsea Dennis with 7:07 to play in the fourth
quarter.
Dennis, a sophomore forward, added eight points and six rebounds for BAHS.
Santiago then tacked on a pair of free throws to give the Lady Tigers a 47-24 lead with 5:40 to
play and BAHS was well on its way to its first regional title in seven years.
“This is the greatest feeling ever,” Santiago said. “Everybody thought that Sapulpa (who Sand
Springs upset in the opening round on Thursday) was going to win the regional. We are so
much better than we were as freshmen. Going 20-5 is a big turnaround for us.”
BAHS claimed a total of just 10 wins combined over the last two seasons before the Lady Tigers’
breakout effort this year.
BROKEN ARROW 53, SAND SPRINGS 32
Sand Springs 5 4 13 10-32
Broken Arrow 12 22 7 12-53
Sand Springs: Tate 12, Hampton 5, Harris 5, Bales 5, Schwager 2, Williams 2.
Broken Arrow: Lewis 23, Santiago 15, Dennis 8, Johnson 5, Bledsoe 1, Thesenvitz 1.
************************************************************
Lady Tigers to play Union Thursday
In area tournament at Skiatook
Published:
Sunday, March 1, 2009 9:24 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School, fresh off winning the regional, is one victory away from the Class 6A
state tournament.
But, that one game will be monumental task for the Lady Tigers.
BAHS faces defending state champion Union Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Skiatook High School in
an area tournament winner’s bracket game.
The winner punches its ticket to the March 12-14 state tournament in Oklahoma City.
Thursday’s loser gets another chance Saturday at 3 p.m. against the Jenks-Ponca City loser at
Skiatook.
Broken Arrow, coached by Ed Calhoon, lost twice – both times by four points – to Union during
the regular season.
Now 20-5, the Lady Tigers whipped Sand Springs, 53-32, Saturday in the regional final at Tiger
Fieldhouse.
This week marks the first time since 2002 Broken Arrow has been to the area tournament.
That season, coached by Dean Pierce, the Lady Tigers reached the state tournament for a
sixth straight year.
In area tournament at Skiatook
Published:
Sunday, March 1, 2009 9:24 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School, fresh off winning the regional, is one victory away from the Class 6A
state tournament.
But, that one game will be monumental task for the Lady Tigers.
BAHS faces defending state champion Union Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Skiatook High School in
an area tournament winner’s bracket game.
The winner punches its ticket to the March 12-14 state tournament in Oklahoma City.
Thursday’s loser gets another chance Saturday at 3 p.m. against the Jenks-Ponca City loser at
Skiatook.
Broken Arrow, coached by Ed Calhoon, lost twice – both times by four points – to Union during
the regular season.
Now 20-5, the Lady Tigers whipped Sand Springs, 53-32, Saturday in the regional final at Tiger
Fieldhouse.
This week marks the first time since 2002 Broken Arrow has been to the area tournament.
That season, coached by Dean Pierce, the Lady Tigers reached the state tournament for a
sixth straight year.
Lady Tigers' state bid thwarted, 44-39
BAHS plays Ponca City Saturday in elimination game
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, March 5, 2009 9:49 PM CST
SKIATOOK – If Broken Arrow High School is going to the Class 6A state basketball tournament,
the Lady Tigers will have to wait two days.
BAHS’s bid for its first state tournament berth since 2002 was denied Thursday night by
defending champion Union, 44-39, at the Dr. Gary Johnson Activity Center.
Broken Arrow (20-6) plays Ponca City (16-10) Saturday at 3 p.m. at the elegant Skiatook High
School facility in an elimination game. The winner advances to state.
Ponca City ousted Jenks, 46-39, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter at the free throw line.
The No. 2-ranked Lady Redskins, in beating Broken Arrow for a third time this season, are
going for a second straight year and a third time in last four under coach Jim Stacy.
In each meeting, Union has won by five points or less over the Lady Tigers.
BAHS coach Ed Calhoon emerged from the dressing room unscathed.
“A great game,” Calhoon said. “I’ve never been prouder of this bunch of girls than I am right
now. They gave everything they had.”
The Lady Tigers trailed 42-32 with 5:09 to play after uncontested buckets by UHS’s Destinee
Frierson and Carrington Fox.
It could have turned ugly.
“The heart in these girls came out,” Calhoon said. “They had a will to win this game. They
battled back and gave themselves a chance to win.”
A 3-pointer by Taylor Lewis gave BAHS new life, pulling BAHS within 42-35. The senior followed
with a running jumper at the 3:15 mark to cut the deficit to five points.
When junior Valerie Santiago scored on a putback with 1:31 remaining, the Lady Tigers were
within striking distance, 42-27.
Union, which hadn’t scored since the bucket by Fox at 5:09, called a time out 10 seconds later
but couldn’t convert on that possession, keeping BAHS in the contest.
But a Lady Tiger turnover with 51 seconds left would be costly.
The Lady Redskins parlayed that into two free throws by Frierson with 21 seconds left for a 44-
39 advantage.
BAHS couldn’t recover.
“Our girls left it all on the floor,” Calhoon said.
Broken Arrow bolted from the starting gate, building a 19-11 lead midway through the second
quarter.
But, a rash of turnovers – eight in the second quarter – left the Lady Tigers reeling.
Union outscored BAHS, 12-2, over the next three and half minutes.
Two free throws by Lewis pulled BAHS even at 21-21, but a putback by Larielle Giles at the
buzzer gave the Lady Redskins a 23-21 lead at half.
Broken Arrow’s Becca Hill’s layup in the first minute of the second quarter retied the score at 23-
23.
Fox answered with a bucket and Frierson scored off a BAHS turnover that put Union in front to
stay.
“We made way too many turnovers in the second quarter,” Calhoon said. “We went to full court
press and didn’t execute it very well.
“Then, we panicked and didn’t play smart. They (Union) had been here before and it showed.”
After hitting 2-of-3 3-point attempts in the first quarter, the Lady Tigers hit only 4-of-20 treys the
balance of the game.
For the game, BAHS was 14-of 37 in total field goals while Union was 17-of-40, including 2-of-5
for 3-pointers.
After committing the 13 turnovers in the first half, BAHS had only six in the second half.
Union made only seven turnovers in the first half, only nine in the half and 13 for the game.
BAHS’s Lewis and Union’s Frierson shared scoring honors with 12.
Giles and Fox combined for 21 points for the Lady Redskins and Chelsi Dennis was the only
other BAHS player in double digits with 10.
Four years ago, Calhoon took Metro Christian Academy to the state tournament for the first time
in school history.
“Hey, we got back in this game (area winner’s bracket) by 30 by Edmond-Deer Creek,” he said.
“We came back two days later and beat Glenpool, a good team, to get to state.
“If we play right, we’ve got a good chance of getting where we want to be - the state tournament.”
CLASS 6A AREA TOURNAMENT
Girls Winners Bracket
UNION 44, BROKEN ARROW 39
Broken Arrow 11 10 11 7-39
Union 5 18 15 6-44
BA - Taylor Lewis 12, Chelsi Dennis 10, Valerie Santiago 8, Katie Morgan 6, Becca Hill 2,
Vanessa Bledsoe 1.
UHS - Destinee Frierson 12, Larielle Giles 11, Carrington Fox 10, Roni Jefferson 9, Ashley
Womack 2.
BAHS plays Ponca City Saturday in elimination game
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, March 5, 2009 9:49 PM CST
SKIATOOK – If Broken Arrow High School is going to the Class 6A state basketball tournament,
the Lady Tigers will have to wait two days.
BAHS’s bid for its first state tournament berth since 2002 was denied Thursday night by
defending champion Union, 44-39, at the Dr. Gary Johnson Activity Center.
Broken Arrow (20-6) plays Ponca City (16-10) Saturday at 3 p.m. at the elegant Skiatook High
School facility in an elimination game. The winner advances to state.
Ponca City ousted Jenks, 46-39, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter at the free throw line.
The No. 2-ranked Lady Redskins, in beating Broken Arrow for a third time this season, are
going for a second straight year and a third time in last four under coach Jim Stacy.
In each meeting, Union has won by five points or less over the Lady Tigers.
BAHS coach Ed Calhoon emerged from the dressing room unscathed.
“A great game,” Calhoon said. “I’ve never been prouder of this bunch of girls than I am right
now. They gave everything they had.”
The Lady Tigers trailed 42-32 with 5:09 to play after uncontested buckets by UHS’s Destinee
Frierson and Carrington Fox.
It could have turned ugly.
“The heart in these girls came out,” Calhoon said. “They had a will to win this game. They
battled back and gave themselves a chance to win.”
A 3-pointer by Taylor Lewis gave BAHS new life, pulling BAHS within 42-35. The senior followed
with a running jumper at the 3:15 mark to cut the deficit to five points.
When junior Valerie Santiago scored on a putback with 1:31 remaining, the Lady Tigers were
within striking distance, 42-27.
Union, which hadn’t scored since the bucket by Fox at 5:09, called a time out 10 seconds later
but couldn’t convert on that possession, keeping BAHS in the contest.
But a Lady Tiger turnover with 51 seconds left would be costly.
The Lady Redskins parlayed that into two free throws by Frierson with 21 seconds left for a 44-
39 advantage.
BAHS couldn’t recover.
“Our girls left it all on the floor,” Calhoon said.
Broken Arrow bolted from the starting gate, building a 19-11 lead midway through the second
quarter.
But, a rash of turnovers – eight in the second quarter – left the Lady Tigers reeling.
Union outscored BAHS, 12-2, over the next three and half minutes.
Two free throws by Lewis pulled BAHS even at 21-21, but a putback by Larielle Giles at the
buzzer gave the Lady Redskins a 23-21 lead at half.
Broken Arrow’s Becca Hill’s layup in the first minute of the second quarter retied the score at 23-
23.
Fox answered with a bucket and Frierson scored off a BAHS turnover that put Union in front to
stay.
“We made way too many turnovers in the second quarter,” Calhoon said. “We went to full court
press and didn’t execute it very well.
“Then, we panicked and didn’t play smart. They (Union) had been here before and it showed.”
After hitting 2-of-3 3-point attempts in the first quarter, the Lady Tigers hit only 4-of-20 treys the
balance of the game.
For the game, BAHS was 14-of 37 in total field goals while Union was 17-of-40, including 2-of-5
for 3-pointers.
After committing the 13 turnovers in the first half, BAHS had only six in the second half.
Union made only seven turnovers in the first half, only nine in the half and 13 for the game.
BAHS’s Lewis and Union’s Frierson shared scoring honors with 12.
Giles and Fox combined for 21 points for the Lady Redskins and Chelsi Dennis was the only
other BAHS player in double digits with 10.
Four years ago, Calhoon took Metro Christian Academy to the state tournament for the first time
in school history.
“Hey, we got back in this game (area winner’s bracket) by 30 by Edmond-Deer Creek,” he said.
“We came back two days later and beat Glenpool, a good team, to get to state.
“If we play right, we’ve got a good chance of getting where we want to be - the state tournament.”
CLASS 6A AREA TOURNAMENT
Girls Winners Bracket
UNION 44, BROKEN ARROW 39
Broken Arrow 11 10 11 7-39
Union 5 18 15 6-44
BA - Taylor Lewis 12, Chelsi Dennis 10, Valerie Santiago 8, Katie Morgan 6, Becca Hill 2,
Vanessa Bledsoe 1.
UHS - Destinee Frierson 12, Larielle Giles 11, Carrington Fox 10, Roni Jefferson 9, Ashley
Womack 2.
************************************************************
SEASON OVER FOR LADY TIGERS
Ponca City upsets BAHS, 43-40, in area tournament
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, March 7, 2009 6:28 PM CST
SKIATOOK — Broken Arrow High School
girls basketball gained “respectability” this
season.
But on Saturday, the Lady Tigers didn’t
achieve their most cherished goal – a berth
in the Class 6A state tournament.
Those dreams came crashing down when
underdog Ponca City upset No. 8-ranked
BAHS, 43-40, in the area consolation finals.
Ponca City, now 17-11, advances to next
week’s big school tournament in
Oklahoma City.
Broken Arrow had its best chance since
2002 to qualify and finished the season
with a 20-7 record.
After a gallant effort in a 44-39 loss to Union Thursday, the Lady Tigers struggled throughout
against the Poncans.
“For whatever reason,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said, taking a deep breath, “this wasn’t our
night.”
Broken Arrow, which never had a lead after midway through the third quarter, had two chances
in the final minute to forge tie and send the game into overtime.
However, the Lady Tigers never tried a 3-pointer on either possession.
“We wanted that (a 3-pointer),” Calhoon said, shaking his head. “We had the play. We just didn’
t execute it.”
Ponca City, which ousted Jenks Thursday, led 43-38 with 2:12 left after a bucket by Mica
Havens.
Broken Arrow’s last points came at the 1:32 mark on two free throws by senior Taylor Lewis,
pulling the Lady Tigers within the final margin.
When Ponca City’s Sadie Hull missed a free throw with 26 seconds left, Brooke Scott’s rebound
gave BAHS new life.
But, the Lady Tigers couldn’t score.
Broken Arrow had one more chance with nine seconds left – still trailing by three points – when
Havens missed a free throw. Scott, a junior, rebounded again.
Lewis attempted a running jumper at the buzzer - from inside the are – but her shot bounded
off the rim as the horn sounded.
“This wasn’t the way we figured we’d go out,” Calhoon said. “This is a crushing defeat. There
are a lot of broken hearts in that dressing room.
“I really feel for a our senior class.
They weathered some storms to get this far but they brought back respectability to this
program.”
The Lady Tigers had a 23-19 lead at halftime after junior Valerie Santiago had scored Broken
Arrow’s last six points.
“I thought we were in control of the game at that point,” Calhoon said. “We never had any sync
to our offense. Ponca City wanted it and Ponca City took it.”
Ponca City seized the momentum by outscoring BAHS, 9-2, in the first seven minutes of the
third period, six of those by Emily Berwaldt.
BAHS narrowed the gap to 30-28 going into the fourth quarter but Ponca City answered with a
9-4 flurry over the next three an half minutes for a 39-32 cushion.
Roxanne Roughface of Ponca City led all scorers with 23 points, 13 of those in the first half.
Santiago led BAHS with 13 and Lewis – who played with a noticeable limp the second half –
closed out her BAHS career with 12 points.
The Lady Tigers were 14-of47 shooting, including just 4-of-24 from 3-point range.
Ponca City, with Roughface hitting 11-of-15 attempts, was 19-of-40, which included 0-of-2 from
3-point range.
PONCA CITY 43, BROKEN ARROW 40
Broken Arrow 13 10 5 12-40
Ponca City 10 9 13 13-43
BA - Valerie Santiago 13, Taylor Lewis 12, Chelsi Dennis 7, Katie Morgan 3, Shanna Johnson
3, Vanessa Bledsoe 2.
PC - Roxanne Roughface 23, Mica Havens 12, Emily Berwaldt 6, Sadie Hull 2.
Ponca City upsets BAHS, 43-40, in area tournament
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, March 7, 2009 6:28 PM CST
SKIATOOK — Broken Arrow High School
girls basketball gained “respectability” this
season.
But on Saturday, the Lady Tigers didn’t
achieve their most cherished goal – a berth
in the Class 6A state tournament.
Those dreams came crashing down when
underdog Ponca City upset No. 8-ranked
BAHS, 43-40, in the area consolation finals.
Ponca City, now 17-11, advances to next
week’s big school tournament in
Oklahoma City.
Broken Arrow had its best chance since
2002 to qualify and finished the season
with a 20-7 record.
After a gallant effort in a 44-39 loss to Union Thursday, the Lady Tigers struggled throughout
against the Poncans.
“For whatever reason,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said, taking a deep breath, “this wasn’t our
night.”
Broken Arrow, which never had a lead after midway through the third quarter, had two chances
in the final minute to forge tie and send the game into overtime.
However, the Lady Tigers never tried a 3-pointer on either possession.
“We wanted that (a 3-pointer),” Calhoon said, shaking his head. “We had the play. We just didn’
t execute it.”
Ponca City, which ousted Jenks Thursday, led 43-38 with 2:12 left after a bucket by Mica
Havens.
Broken Arrow’s last points came at the 1:32 mark on two free throws by senior Taylor Lewis,
pulling the Lady Tigers within the final margin.
When Ponca City’s Sadie Hull missed a free throw with 26 seconds left, Brooke Scott’s rebound
gave BAHS new life.
But, the Lady Tigers couldn’t score.
Broken Arrow had one more chance with nine seconds left – still trailing by three points – when
Havens missed a free throw. Scott, a junior, rebounded again.
Lewis attempted a running jumper at the buzzer - from inside the are – but her shot bounded
off the rim as the horn sounded.
“This wasn’t the way we figured we’d go out,” Calhoon said. “This is a crushing defeat. There
are a lot of broken hearts in that dressing room.
“I really feel for a our senior class.
They weathered some storms to get this far but they brought back respectability to this
program.”
The Lady Tigers had a 23-19 lead at halftime after junior Valerie Santiago had scored Broken
Arrow’s last six points.
“I thought we were in control of the game at that point,” Calhoon said. “We never had any sync
to our offense. Ponca City wanted it and Ponca City took it.”
Ponca City seized the momentum by outscoring BAHS, 9-2, in the first seven minutes of the
third period, six of those by Emily Berwaldt.
BAHS narrowed the gap to 30-28 going into the fourth quarter but Ponca City answered with a
9-4 flurry over the next three an half minutes for a 39-32 cushion.
Roxanne Roughface of Ponca City led all scorers with 23 points, 13 of those in the first half.
Santiago led BAHS with 13 and Lewis – who played with a noticeable limp the second half –
closed out her BAHS career with 12 points.
The Lady Tigers were 14-of47 shooting, including just 4-of-24 from 3-point range.
Ponca City, with Roughface hitting 11-of-15 attempts, was 19-of-40, which included 0-of-2 from
3-point range.
PONCA CITY 43, BROKEN ARROW 40
Broken Arrow 13 10 5 12-40
Ponca City 10 9 13 13-43
BA - Valerie Santiago 13, Taylor Lewis 12, Chelsi Dennis 7, Katie Morgan 3, Shanna Johnson
3, Vanessa Bledsoe 2.
PC - Roxanne Roughface 23, Mica Havens 12, Emily Berwaldt 6, Sadie Hull 2.
THE EYES TELL THE STORY — Broken Arrow High
School players, from left, Randy Thsevenvitz (25), Kendall
Kidd (24), Sam Smith (44) and Cassie Kramme (33),
watch the Lady Tigers' season slip away in the last few
seconds Saturday. BAHS lost to Ponca City, 43-40.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
School players, from left, Randy Thsevenvitz (25), Kendall
Kidd (24), Sam Smith (44) and Cassie Kramme (33),
watch the Lady Tigers' season slip away in the last few
seconds Saturday. BAHS lost to Ponca City, 43-40.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
************************************************************